Getty Images—known as the world’s largest online image service—has long been the silent nemesis of celebrities, especially at major events. Unlike fan-taken or press-retouched photos, Getty’s shots are raw, brutally high-resolution, and often unforgiving. Over the years, numerous stars have found their unfiltered visuals under intense public scrutiny due to Getty’s no-editing policy.
The latest celebrity to fall under what netizens call the “destroyer lens” is none other than Irene, the leader of Red Velvet and one of South Korea’s most celebrated visuals. On the evening of December 19, Koreaboo reported that Irene had become the center of a heated online debate after one Getty image of her from a public event went viral across Korean forums.
In the photo, Irene dazzled with her signature fair, luminous skin, but her overall appearance sparked mixed reactions. Some fans praised her stunning aura and insisted she had “conquered the demon lens.” Others, however, claimed the image revealed signs of aging and fatigue, arguing she no longer embodied the flawless visual she was once known for.
“I’ve seen posts about her turning 30 years old since I was in high school—and she’s still beautiful,” one fan wrote. “She looks older now,” another commented. “Honestly, she’s so beautiful I can’t even speak,” said another, while skeptics chimed in: “You can clearly see signs of aging.”
This is one of the rare occasions Irene has faced criticism about her appearance—something she has long been celebrated for. For years, the public showered her with praise, often calling her one of the most beautiful idols in K-pop history. Her elegance and poise have made her a favorite on red carpets, fashion editorials, and brand campaigns.
Born in 1991 and known by her real name Bae Joo-hyun, Irene debuted as the leader of Red Velvet in 2014 under SM Entertainment. She quickly rose to stardom, becoming an icon of third-generation K-pop visuals. Beyond music, Irene has also ventured into acting, earning attention for her performance in indie and drama projects, solidifying her multi-faceted presence in the entertainment world.
Despite the recent debate, Irene remains a pillar of K-pop visual culture, and her career—spanning over a decade—continues to thrive both in performance and public recognition.
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