On May 18, ChoA shared several photos on social media with the caption, “2026.5.17. 南京,” giving fans a glimpse into her time in Nanjing, China.

The singer showcased an elegant and relaxed atmosphere while spending time at a luxurious hotel lounge. Wearing a gray cardigan paired with a long skirt, ChoA displayed a more mature and sophisticated image compared to her earlier idol days.

Fans especially focused on her hairstyle transformation. Moving away from the short platinum blonde look that became her signature during AOA promotions, ChoA appeared with calm medium-length hair that highlighted a softer and more refined charm.

Her noticeably changed appearance quickly sparked discussions online, with some netizens once again bringing up plastic surgery rumors.

However, ChoA has previously addressed and denied such speculation.

During a past YouTube appearance, she explained that rumors intensified after she temporarily stepped away from public activities.

“Because I took some time off recently, people started saying all kinds of things,” she shared. “When I stayed silent, it felt like those rumors became accepted as facts.”

ChoA further revealed that some situations became serious enough for her to consult lawyers over the past one to two years.

“There were many unintended issues and difficult situations during that period,” she said.

ChoA originally debuted with AOA in 2012 and officially left the group in June 2017. Following her departure, she was frequently surrounded by marriage rumors, which she also publicly denied.

“Since I left the team during a successful period, many people couldn’t understand it,” she explained in the past. “People kept asking, ‘Why would she quit unless she’s getting married?’ That’s how the rumors started. I’m not married. Though I do hope to get married someday.”

Despite the ongoing speculation, many fans praised ChoA’s latest photos for showcasing a more elegant and confident side of the singer. Others expressed happiness at seeing her enjoying life comfortably while continuing to interact with fans through social media.

Sources: 네이트 뉴스