The saying “hair makes the man” perfectly applies to Kim Joong Hee. Once overlooked by audiences due to his unflattering on-screen appearance, the actor has recently gone viral for a transformation so dramatic that many can hardly believe it’s the same person.

For viewers of Squid Game, many may recall the eerie pink-suited guards and the unsettling figures behind the scenes. Kim Joong Hee played one of the figures involved in the operation, appearing with thinning hair, a gaunt face, and intense expressions. His overall look was intentionally styled to feel harsh and unattractive, even leading some viewers to label him as the “ugliest” actor in the series.

Kim Joong Hee real life visuals

In “Marry My Husband,” Kim Joong Hee once again took on a role with a deliberately unappealing appearance. He portrayed a middle-aged man with an outdated hairstyle and aged look to match the character. Not only was his appearance criticized, but his character’s unpleasant personality also made him widely disliked by viewers.

Because of this, when photos of Kim Joong Hee in real life began circulating online, netizens were stunned. Gone was the thinning hair and rough styling instead, he appeared with thick, neatly styled hair and a much more polished look. His facial features, once hidden under heavy styling, now appeared balanced and refined, even giving off a masculine and rugged charm completely different from his on-screen image. The transformation was so drastic that many people said they wouldn’t have recognized him without prior knowledge.

Netizens quickly flooded social media with reactions:

  • “What is this???”
  • “There’s no way this is the same person”
  • “His drama hair and makeup team are insanely good”
  • “Hair really saves a face”
  • “I thought he was just a good actor didn’t expect this”
  • “It’s like he changed his entire head”
  • “Still can’t believe it even after looking multiple times”
  • “Hair accounts for 80% of visuals this proves it”
  • “This is unreal. He looks so young and handsome in real life”

In film and television, especially for supporting or villain roles, styling is often intentionally designed to reduce attractiveness in order to serve the story. A thinning hairstyle, outdated cut, or dim lighting can completely alter how a face is perceived.

Born in 1984, Kim Joong Hee began pursuing acting around 2015. He has appeared in various notable projects such as “Voice 4,” “Moving,” “The Nokdu Flower,” “Squid Game,” and “Marry My Husband.” Although he often takes on supporting roles, he has consistently left a strong impression thanks to his versatile and reliable acting skills.

Sources: K14