Actress Kwak Jin-young finds confidence through transformation

Actress Kwak Jin-young has opened up about the long-standing anxieties regarding her appearance, revealing her journey toward reclaiming her self-confidence. Ultimately, she discovered that more important than simply looking younger was changing how she viewed herself.

During the broadcast of Channel A's 'Beauty Clinic Touch Me' on the 31st, Kwak appeared on the show to speak candidly about her physical changes and the psychological hardships she has endured.

Kwak cautiously revealed her inner feelings, stating, "I want to go back to the time before I had work done all over my face." She confessed that the changes she chose in an attempt to move past the image of 'Jong-mal-i'—the iconic character who earned her national fame—instead became another source of deep anxiety.

Kwak, who was beloved by the public for her portrayal of 'Jong-mal-i' in the 1990s drama 'Sons and Daughters,' left a lasting impression with her bright and friendly image. However, due to the nature of her profession, she constantly faced scrutiny over her looks, and accepting the natural changes brought by time proved difficult.

Kwak's mother also shared the emotional toll her daughter has faced. "If she is not satisfied with herself, she undergoes [surgery] again, causing indescribable mental distress," she said, noting that Kwak endured difficult periods due to re-operations and side effects during her pursuit of physical changes.

The broadcast also highlighted Kwak's lifestyle habits. She surprised viewers by revealing that she often drank alcohol alone late at night and consumed multiple packets of instant mix coffee on an empty stomach in the morning. These irregular patterns significantly impacted her skin health and overall condition.

After seeking professional advice, Kwak was diagnosed that decreased collagen levels following menopause, combined with her lifestyle habits, were accelerating her skin aging. It was not merely the passage of time, but the cumulative traces of her life appearing on her face.

After undergoing treatments such as thread lifting and volume boosters, Kwak returned to the studio with a rejuvenated look. Appearing with more elastic skin and a brighter expression, she eventually shed tears while facing her transformation.

Her emotional reaction stemmed from more than just her rejuvenated appearance; it was because she had regained the confidence she had lost for so long and the ability to love herself again.

"I have gained confidence," Kwak said with a bright smile.

Aging is an unavoidable process for everyone. However, for an actress, the face is not just an external image, but a tool of expression that carries countless memories and emotions. Kwak's transformation is meaningful not as an attempt to 'defy time,' but as a process of re-accepting her evolved self.

Long loved as 'Jong-mal-i,' Kwak Jin-young is no longer trying to return to her past. Instead, she stands before the public again with a new face that embraces the years she has lived.