Model-turned-broadcaster Hong Jin Kyung directly confronted plastic surgery rumors surrounding her daughter, Rael. She clarified that it was "editing," not "surgery," and, by releasing a mother-daughter conversation that bordered on public discipline, neatly settled the controversy.
Recently, photos titled "Rael, Hong Jin Kyung's daughter, changed beyond recognition" spread on online communities. In the photos, Rael drew attention with an atmosphere quite different from her childhood, and reactions poured in saying "she's completely changed" as her slimmer silhouette and flashy makeup were added. Some even raised plastic surgery suspicions, fueling excessive interest.
As the controversy grew, Hong Jin Kyung stepped in herself. On the 8th, she posted on social media, revealing related photos along with the caption "Kim Rael before editing after editing fake life Rael isn't this a scam!? You should hold your mother's hand and try the fake life once too." She then attached screenshots of conversations with acquaintances, explaining, "It's all editing," and "There are apps that reshape the face, raise the nose, and do makeup."
Responses from colleagues followed on the post. Singer Lee Ji Hye laughed, saying, "Why bother clarifying this?", and Hong Jin Kyung jokingly addressed Choi Jun Hee, the daughter of the late Choi Jin Sil, saying, "Didn't you teach her editing?"
When Orbit asked, "Sister, was this coordinated with Rael?" regarding the release of Rael's photos, Hong Jin Kyung replied, "No, she didn't agree! The situation was serious so I just posted it! I've become a mother who shaved down her underage daughter's jaw... I'm freaking out because of her!"
Later, Hong Jin Kyung revealed that "Rael got in touch. Sorry for causing concern," and disclosed the messages exchanged with her daughter. When asked whether she was aware of the coverage, Rael jokingly replied, "Let's just hold hands and go live the fake life."
Hong Jin Kyung said Rael messaged her, "I have to protect my mental state this way, as a triumph of the human spirit," and Hong Jin Kyung advised, "What are you talking about!? Never make that kind of thing again. Just accept your bare face and live as yourself. So what if you have a slightly square jaw, so what if you have a bit of cheek fat — that's Kim Rael." With the candid mother-daughter conversation made public, the noisy "plastic surgery rumors" concluded as a minor incident.
[photo] Hong Jin Kyung SNS
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