BTS Jung Kook 'Tangerine Skin'? Malicious 'Reverse Editing' by Haters—"Frenzied Obsession"
Malicious commenters have sparked controversy by spreading manipulated images that excessively exaggerate the skin texture of BTS's Jung Kook under the guise of "unfiltered photos." Meanwhile, BTS is also facing difficulties due to sasaeng fans encroaching on their privacy during their South American tour.
Controversy is brewing as malicious commenters targeting BTS's Jung Kook are spreading images online that excessively highlight skin texture, claiming they are so-called "unfiltered photos." As evidence emerges that the photos were manipulated to look significantly different from Jung Kook's actual skin in videos, criticism is pouring in against excessive malicious editing and persistent slander.
Recently, posts titled "Jung Kook Unfiltered Photos" appeared on several online communities and spread rapidly. The released photos are close-ups of Jung Kook's profile, unusually emphasizing enlarged pores, uneven skin texture, oiliness, and blemishes. Although introduced as if they were photos showing Jung Kook's actual skin condition, doubts regarding the credibility of the images themselves grew after they spread.
It has been pointed out that the problematic photos are not unfiltered photos capturing Jung Kook's natural bare face, but rather "reverse edited" images that were intentionally manipulated to highlight skin texture. While his skin appeared fair and smooth in videos released on the same day, the photos in question created a completely different impression by exaggerating pores and irregularities. This is why criticism is arising that it is an attempt to maliciously magnify natural skin characteristics to disparage his appearance.
Upon encountering this, fans reacted with absurdity. Comments such as "I can't help but laugh," "How much effort did they put into making just that one photo," "Even malicious commenters have to be diligent for this to be possible," "Honestly, who doesn't have pores?" and "I don't know about the skin, but he's handsome" continued online. Some defended Jung Kook's appearance, saying, "Even if it's tangerine skin, I'd want to live like that for just one day," while others sarcastically mocked the manipulation suspicions by saying, "Aren't you just doing this out of jealousy?" or "Good job working so hard to make it."
In particular, among fans, there are points being made that the behavior of editing photos to disparage a specific celebrity goes beyond simple appearance criticism. Along with reactions like "You should know when to stop" and "Isn't this a frenzied obsession?", voices are growing louder, questioning how much online slander regarding a celebrity's appearance should be permitted. It is argued that the method of highlighting pores and skin texture—which exist in everyone—as a weakness is closer to mockery than criticism.
The controversy surrounding Jung Kook does not stop at appearance slander. It has also been revealed that BTS, who are currently on a world tour, are experiencing discomfort due to sasaeng fans crowding in front of their accommodations during their South American tour. On the 8th, RM directly conveyed the situation at their local accommodation in Peru through the official fan communication platform, appealing that the members and staff are experiencing significant difficulties because of people staying in front of the hotel for long periods. He added that they are unable to sleep properly because noise can be heard even inside the rooms.
RM requested restraint, noting that other hotel guests are also being harmed. As a lack of sufficient sleep can interfere with performances, he urged that people do not continue to stay in front of the accommodations in Chile, Brazil, and Argentina, which they will visit next, as well as in the subsequent Asian regions. He made it clear that actions infringing on an artist's privacy and resting space ultimately affect the performances and the staff on-site.
The act of manipulating photos to disparage appearance and the sasaeng behavior of following them to their accommodations are different in method, but they meet in the fact that they ignore the minimum boundaries that must be observed for celebrities. As interest in the globally popular BTS grows, voices calling for respect for their privacy and personality are also increasing. The controversy over Jung Kook's "reverse edited photos" goes beyond a simple malicious comment incident, prompting a reflection on the level of malicious mockery and obsession that repeats online.
Lee Chang-seok is the CEO and editor of Mediafine and writes for Mediafine Global, mainly covering K-Variety and also writing on K-pop, Celebrity and K-drama.
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