The renewed controversy began after Jung Ji So attended the UL:KIN photo wall event during the 2026 Fall/Winter Seoul Fashion Week, held on February 4 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Jung-gu, Seoul. Dressed in a gray-toned jacket paired with a scarf, she completed a chic, urban look but instead of focusing solely on her fashion, online discussions quickly turned toward her changing appearance.

Following the event, some netizens claimed that Jung Ji So looked noticeably different, reviving rumors that she may have undergone cosmetic procedures. A number of comments expressed disappointment, with reactions such as “She looked natural and cute in her earlier films,” “I can’t see her old image anymore,” “The image change is regrettable,” and even “Bring back her old face.”

On the other hand, many defended the actress, arguing that her transformed look could simply be the result of weight loss, makeup, and styling rather than surgery. Even among those who dismissed the plastic surgery claims, however, there were voices expressing nostalgia for Jung Ji So’s earlier, more innocent image.

This is not the first time Jung Ji So has faced such rumors. Similar debates emerged last year following her appearances at major award ceremonies such as the KBS Drama Awards and the Melon Music Awards (MMA), where her visuals once again became a topic of heated discussion.

In a roundtable interview conducted in June last year, Jung Ji So openly spoke about her strict self-management when preparing for projects. She revealed, “Once a project is confirmed, I work out intensely starting a month before filming and eat only one meal a day just chicken breast. I live like that for about a month, and honestly, it’s not very happy.” This candid confession shed light on the drastic dieting efforts behind her changing appearance.

She also shared an anecdote from promotions for the film Holy Night: Demon Hunters, explaining that during her first stage greeting, she assumed it would be a relaxed event where photos wouldn’t matter. However, she showed up looking swollen, and fans later wrote her letters saying things like, “Ji So, you should dress up when you come out,” and “You need to wear makeup.” Learning about the importance of TPO (time, place, occasion), she said she has since paid closer attention to makeup and gradual dieting during official schedules.

Jung Ji So first gained global recognition for her role as Da Hye, the daughter of the Park family, in the Oscar-winning film Parasite. She later left a powerful impression as the younger version of Moon Dong Eun in The Glory, portraying the raw pain of a school violence victim. Since then, she has steadily built her filmography through projects such as The Cursed, Who Is She, and Holy Night: Demon Hunters, continuing to evolve as an actress amid both praise and scrutiny.

Sources: Daum