Lee Da-hae explains appearance changes amid plastic surgery rumors

Actress Lee Da-hae addressed online speculation regarding her changing look on the 25th, attributing the "Chinese-style" makeup and different atmosphere to local styling and photo retouching in China. While working in Shanghai and Hangzhou, the expectant mother recorded approximately 20 billion won in total sales during a two-hour live commerce broadcast.

Actress Lee Da-hae has directly addressed recent controversies surrounding her changing appearance, including speculation regarding plastic surgery and a "Chinese-style" look. As photos featuring heavier makeup and a different atmosphere from her previous style were released, various speculations emerged online. Lee explained that her style changed while working with local staff in China and that the new look was also a result of photo retouching. She added a request for fans to enjoy her various transformations rather than defining her appearance by the style of a specific country.

On the 25th, Lee shared several photos on her social media, describing the circumstances of the shoot. "A staff member from our Shanghai corporation said, 'Unnie, it feels like this might be the last time we see you this year,' and wanted to take a photo, so I snapped them quickly while waiting for a moment," she stated. She explained that these were not professional pictorials prepared with special time, but photos taken briefly on-site.

She further introduced her working environment in China, explaining that when she is active there, she works with local stylists and hair and makeup artists. She noted that the filming staff are also locals and that she often receives photos after they have undergone retouching. She suggested that the difference from the looks she was accustomed to in Korea is influenced by the local production environment and styling methods.

"Because of that, there are times when I discover a new side of myself that feels unfamiliar even to me," she confessed. She noted that even when looking at her own photos, she sometimes feels a different atmosphere than before. By directly mentioning the styling and photo retouching process amidst the attention on her changing appearance, she provided an explanation to the various speculations raised online.

Previously, Lee drew attention for her changed appearance after photos and live commerce videos taken during her activities in China were released. As her heavier-than-usual makeup and emphasized features caught eyes, some netizens reacted with comments such as "Chinese-style makeup" and "Chinese-style face." Some also raised suspicions of plastic surgery based on her changed impression. However, a change in appearance alone cannot be used to conclude whether actual plastic surgery took place.

Lee also revealed that her attitude toward sticking to her familiar style in the past has changed. "In the past, I thought it would be a disaster if it wasn't the hair and makeup artists I always worked with," she said, adding, "Now, I am enjoying the fun of working with new people and gradually changing my look." She explained that she is positively embracing the process of stepping away from long-standing habits to try various expressions while working with new people.

She urged, "Rather than asking which country's style it is, I hope you view me through my various new expressions at each moment. Change is a kind of fun in itself." This is interpreted as a request to view her style as one of many variations depending on her activity environment, rather than evaluating her appearance against the aesthetic standards of a specific country. For an actress, appearance and styling can be means of expression that change depending on the nature of the work and activities.

The released photos include Lee posing in a white dress. She also shared updates on her life as she awaits childbirth, such as making a heart shape with her hands on her belly. She drew interest from fans by revealing her daily life as an expectant mother waiting for her first child while continuing her activities in China.

On the 18th, Lee participated in a live commerce broadcast held in Hangzhou, China, to commemorate Singles' Day. Invited by the famous local influencer Dandan, she continued her activities in China even while preparing for childbirth. It was reported that five electric vehicles were prepared as prizes for the broadcast and that approximately 500 staff members participated. Lee stated that the broadcast recorded sales of approximately 20 billion won in about two hours, noting that this was the total sales for the live commerce event, not her individual sales.

Lee married singer SE7EN in 2023 after an eight-year relationship and announced her pregnancy this past May. She is expected to give birth to her first child this coming November. As she remains active in China, interest continues regarding what kind of image she will show through her new styles amidst the focus on her changing appearance.

Read the original (Korean)