The show didn’t shy away from details, capturing Lee’s surgical preparation, including marking the areas for liposuction on his chin. (Image courtesy of SBS)
SEOUL, Jul. 8 (Korea Bizwire) – In a recent episode of SBS’s popular reality show “My Ugly Duckling,” viewers witnessed an unexpected scene: celebrities Lee Dong-gun, Kim Jong-kook, and Lee Sang-min nervously entering a plastic surgery clinic.
This moment marks a significant shift in how South Korean entertainment figures approach the once-taboo subject of cosmetic procedures.
During the consultation, Lee Sang-min showed the surgeon a photo from his prime, expressing concerns about his current appearance, particularly his double chin.
The surgeon suggested submental liposuction and thread lifting, even providing a digital mock-up of potential results. Surprisingly, Lee decided to undergo the procedure immediately.
The show didn’t shy away from details, capturing Lee’s surgical preparation, including marking the areas for liposuction on his chin. Viewers watched as he changed into surgical attire and lay on the operating table. The episode concluded with Lee returning home, his face swollen and wrapped in bandages.
Lee Dong-gun also shared his insecurities about under-eye fat and dark circles. The surgeon recommended a combination of fat repositioning and grafting to address the sunken appearance under his eyes.
This candid portrayal of celebrity plastic surgery sparked diverse reactions from viewers. Comments ranged from finding Lee Sang-min’s swollen appearance “cute” to expressing surprise at seeing celebrities undergo plastic surgery on a variety show. Some viewers even expressed interest in similar procedures if they proved effective.
Actress Jang Young-ran made waves with a video titled “First Celebrity to Reveal Plastic Surgery Process,” detailing her eye surgery. (Photo: a screenshot from Actress Jang Young-ran’s Youtube video)
The trend extends beyond television. On YouTube, where content restrictions are less stringent, celebrities are even more forthcoming.
Actress Jang Young-ran made waves with a video titled “First Celebrity to Reveal Plastic Surgery Process,” detailing her eye surgery.
In a subsequent appearance on the YouTube channel “Vivo TV,” Jang told comedian Song Eun-i that this was actually her fourth eye surgery, praising its functional benefits and noting how it improved her appearance on the show “Knowing Bros.”
The comedy couple Paeng Hyun-suk and Choi Yang-rak also opened up about their experiences on the YouTube channel “Salon Drip 2.” Paeng revealed her husband’s multiple procedures, including two double eyelid surgeries and a facelift, expressing satisfaction with the results.
Choi went even further, documenting his facelift surgery on his personal YouTube channel, from the moment of anesthesia to post-operative recovery.
Actress Han Ye-seul also recently admitted to having undergone plastic surgery during an appearance on “SNL Korea Season 5.” (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Actress Han Ye-seul also recently admitted to having undergone plastic surgery during an appearance on “SNL Korea Season 5,” even jokingly offering advice to co-star Kim Ah-young about breast surgery.
While this trend represents a significant shift in transparency, it has also raised concerns. Professor Kwak Geum-joo of Seoul National University’s psychology department warns that the casual discussion of plastic surgery in media could lead to a societal attitude that trivializes these procedures.
She particularly emphasized the risk of teenagers developing misconceptions about the simplicity and safety of cosmetic surgeries.
“While grooming is important, cosmetic surgery comes with many side effects and shouldn’t be treated lightly,” Kwak cautioned, highlighting the potential for celebrities’ choices to influence public perception due to the strong desire to emulate them.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
