South Korean actor Lee Jung Jae, best known for his role as Seong Gi-hun in Netflix’s hit series Squid Game, is back in the spotlight with the show’s highly anticipated second season. While fans have celebrated his reprisal of the character, a recent media appearance sparked a debate about the actor’s natural aging versus the polished visuals typically seen in his promotional content and on-screen.

At a recent Netflix event for Squid Game Season 2, the 52-year-old actor’s wrinkles and fine lines on his face and neck were all over the place. A video interview with The Hollywood Reporter, along with red carpet pictures, highlighted the contrast between his unedited, real-life appearance and the more refined visuals seen in promotional materials and heavily edited screenshots from the show.

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The controversy on social media showed a bipolar audience. With some bashing Lee Jung Jae’s real appearance, asking the question of whether he had even aged much, others were strictly defending the said actor.

Critics posted:
“Time is really scary.” “Huh, he aged like that….?”

Pro-fans loved him for it, saying this:
“He’s 52. Of course, he’s gonna have some wrinkles; what’s the problem?”
“People aren’t allowed to age, apparently. He still looks GREAT TOO??”
“Do these people think actors are exempt from aging? He is a human being, not a character edited for television.”

Remaining unaffected by the controversy, Lee Jung Jae exuded confidence and charm at the event. Dressed in a blue shirt paired with a stylish blue leather jacket, he focused on promoting the new season rather than addressing the criticisms.

“We have a lot of new characters with their own backstories, and we want the fans to submerge themselves in the show and find these connections. I am sure people will relate to the stories. I hope they enjoy it.”

This conversation around Lee Jung Jae’s looks highlights the absurdity of standards placed on celebrities, especially within such industries as K-drama and K-pop. People expect those celebrities to have flawless visuals, and the support for Lee Jung Jae is the result of this growing awareness regarding the pressures of public figures, and the turn towards embracing the natural beauty of aging.