Yuna Kim debuts new look in photoshoot to promote dog adoption

Figure skater Yuna Kim appeared with long straight hair and bangs in an ELLE Korea photoshoot released on the 5th to help abandoned dogs Tony and Cookie find new families. The two dogs, currently under the protection of People Finding Happiness for Abandoned Animals, are waiting for adoption.

Figure skating queen Yuna Kim has drawn attention with a visual transformation that differs significantly from her usual appearance. Sporting long straight hair with full bangs covering her forehead, she showcased not only elegant dress styles but also warm moments spent with abandoned dogs. Moving beyond a simple photoshoot, she stepped forward to draw attention to abandoned dogs waiting for new families.

On the 5th, ELLE Korea released a photoshoot video via its official account featuring Yuna Kim with abandoned dogs Tony and Cookie. In the video, Yuna Kim revealed a different charm with a bangs style rarely seen before. Her look, featuring voluminous bangs covering her forehead paired with long straight hair, created an atmosphere distinct from her existing neat and elegant image.

Standing before the camera in brightly colored dresses, Yuna Kim fully utilized her signature sophisticated aura. In scenes where she walked alongside the abandoned dogs and interacted with them, she displayed a comfortable and natural charm that differed from the charisma she shows on stage. In particular, her moments of making eye contact and acting affectionately with the small dogs provided a heartwarming sight to viewers.

There was a special reason for participating in this shoot. “I was happy to receive the filming proposal. If even one child can make their face known and find a family, it is a good thing,” Yuna Kim explained, detailing the background of her willing participation. She empathized with the purpose of using celebrity influence to provide new adoption opportunities for abandoned dogs.

The stories of Tony and Cookie, who participated in the photoshoot, are even more heart-wrenching. According to ELLE Korea, six-month-old Tony was rescued from a rural yard in Chuncheon. Three-year-old Cookie is presumed to have lived for a long time in a raised cage with a wire mesh floor. Both dogs are currently under the protection of the animal protection organization People Finding Happiness for Abandoned Animals and are waiting for families to stay with them for life.

Yuna Kim did not hide her satisfaction with the shoot. “I had high expectations and had so much fun filming,” she said with a laugh. “They were smaller than I thought, and their energetic, lively appearance was so cute.” Her reaction suggested she was captivated by the lovely behavior of Tony and Cookie upon their first meeting.

When asked what she hopes the two dogs will do in the future, she replied, “They should find a family first, and once they find a family, I think they will be able to do anything.” When asked if there is anything special they must do to be loved, Yuna Kim affectionately said, “You don't have to do anything. You just have to stay this cute.” Her answer contained the message that they are worthy of love just by existing.

Yuna Kim's warm heart continued even after the filming ended. ELLE Korea reported that she gave Tony and Cookie a greeting of, “Be happy, be happy, be happy.” Although it was a short filming period, it was a moment that conveyed her sincerity in hoping the two dogs meet new families and enjoy happy lives.

Yuna Kim married Forestella member Ko Woorim, who is five years younger, in 2022. While continuing to meet the public through various activities since her marriage, she contributed to spreading the meaning of adopting abandoned dogs through this photoshoot. As striking as her radical transformation with bangs, the warm gaze she directed toward the dogs in front of the camera also drew significant attention.

Read the original (Korean)