Chaos is expected at FENDI’s fashion show in Seoul on Thursday evening as animal rights groups gear up for a large-scale protest.

Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth announced that it will hold a protest at 5:30 p.m. at Hangang Park, across a bridge from Han River Floating Island, with the participation of seven South Korean animal rights groups and 12 foreign animal rights groups, including PETA and Anti Fur Society.

“Seoul Metropolitan Government’s arrogance in ignoring the citizens’ wish and reversing its words will be a disgrace to the country,” said Park So-yeon, head of Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth.

What may be the biggest-ever fashion show held in Asia and broadcast live online by the fashion brand has been mired in controversy since it was announced on May 11, as animal rights groups protested FENDI’s fur items. Mindful of the anti-fur mood, Seoul Metropolitan Government informed the brand’s Asian headquarters on May 13 that the city could not host the show if it featured fur items. However, Seoul city finally allowed the Italian fashion brand to go ahead with the show because it was already planned to be internationally broadcast.

FENDI is known for its fur and leather garments. Fur items will be included in the show as was originally planned.

By Park Min-young (claire@heraldcorp.com)