Rising actress Go Youn-jung, currently starring in the tvN medical drama Resident Playbook, has found herself at the center of a controversy involving an edited graduation photo, just as her appearance becomes a cosmetic surgery benchmark abroad.
Malicious Photo Edits Spark Online Backlash
A now-viral post titled “The Actress Even Japanese Women Try to Copy Through Plastic Surgery” featured what appeared to be Go Youn-jung’s high school graduation photo.
However, eagle-eyed netizens quickly pointed out that the image had been deliberately altered, with her skin tone darkened and her eyes shrunk to distort her appearance. “She’s actually very polite and kind,” one commenter wrote. “Why do people always try to drag successful female celebrities down?”
In response, Go Youn-jung’s agency MAA issued a strong statement condemning the defamation: “False information, malicious photo edits, and defamatory comments about our artist are being recklessly circulated on online communities and social media. We will take strong legal action against any attempts to defame our artist through slander or false claims.”
A Steady Rise to Stardom
Despite the smear attempt, Go Youn-jung’s natural beauty has become a major trendsetter in the cosmetic world, particularly in Japan and China. Korean plastic surgery clinics report a rise in requests for “Go Youn-jung eyes” described as soft double eyelids with a gentle, cat-like curve. Her subtle, refined look is seen as both elegant and approachable, making her one of the most sought-after beauty references across Asia.
Go Youn-jung made her acting debut in 2019 with He Is Psychometric and steadily built a strong filmography with roles in The School Nurse Files, Sweet Home, Law School, Alchemy of Souls, and the mega-hit Moving. Her performances have been consistently praised for their depth and distinctive voice.
Currently, she stars as first-year OB-GYN resident Oh Yi-young in Resident Playbook, a spin-off of Hospital Playlist. Go Youn-jung’s growing popularity and iconic look continue to inspire admiration—and occasionally envy—but her agency’s swift legal action signals that false rumors won’t go unchallenged.
