Former WJSN member ChengXiao has become a hot topic online after recent photos of her in China showed a drastically different appearance, leading to renewed plastic surgery rumors among Korean and Chinese fans alike.

Several images of ChengXiao, taken during her appearance at a music festival on July 19, circulated across online communities. In the photos, ChengXiao appeared with a noticeably swollen face, particularly around her eyes, nose, and mouth. Despite wearing bangs and heavy smoky makeup, many fans said her features were difficult to recognize.

The stark difference from her days as a WJSN member immediately drew public attention, with some speculating that she might have undergone cosmetic procedures. However, Chinese media reports soon provided a different explanation — ChengXiao was reportedly undergoing treatment for low blood pressure and had been prescribed medication that caused facial swelling as a side effect.

Compounding the issue, she had reportedly endured three consecutive days of filming and frequent flights between cities, further contributing to her puffy appearance.

ChengXiao herself previously admitted to being prone to swelling. She once said, “I tend to get puffy easily, especially when I stay up late playing games or eat too much takeout.”

Following the controversy, ChengXiao shared new photos on social media showing her usual, radiant appearance — looking almost identical to her Korean-era visuals, which reassured many fans.

ChengXiao debuted with WJSN in 2016 and was an active member until 2023, when she officially began pursuing solo activities in China. Since then, she has appeared in various Chinese dramas, reality shows, and public events, continuing to build her career as both an actress and entertainer.

While the discussion around her appearance has quieted down, the incident highlights how quickly celebrity images can become the subject of speculation, especially in the digital age where photos spread within minutes.

Sources: OSEN,Weibo