From left, Lee Young-ji, RalRal and Kim Jong-min / Xportsnews
A cosmetic procedure is now going viral in South Korea as a growing number of celebrities openly share their experiences with “under-eye fat repositioning” — a surgery aimed at reducing a tired or sunken appearance around the eyes.
Rapper Lee Young-ji recently drew attention after candidly revealing she had undergone the procedure. Appearing as a guest at a concert by SEVENTEEN members DK and Seungkwan at Inspire Arena in Incheon on April 19, she wore sunglasses and surprised fans by saying she had surgery just days earlier.
Lee Young-ji / Captured from Lee’s social media
“I kept getting told I looked tired even when I wasn’t, and that always bothered me,” she said, explaining that she had considered the procedure for four years. “This is the first and last cosmetic procedure of my life. I won’t be doing anything else.”
Her openness quickly spread across social media and online communities, where fans praised her honesty while also expressing curiosity about the procedure itself.
RalRal / Captured from RalRal’s YouTube channel
Broadcaster RalRal also shared her post-surgery experience online, posting updates on her recovery. “They said there wouldn’t be bruising or swelling, but I ended up with severe bruising,” she said, adding that her condition gradually improved. She later revealed a more settled appearance as the swelling subsided.
Kim Jong-min / Captured from KBS 2TV
Male celebrities are also joining the trend. Kim Jong-min of Koyote previously revealed during the filming of KBS2’s “1 Night 2 Days” that he had undergone the same procedure, saying he wanted to improve what he described as a perpetually tired look.
Influencer Choi Jun-hee, the daughter of late actress Choi Jin-sil, also shared her experience on YouTube in February, further fueling public interest.
Under-eye fat repositioning, sometimes called fat redistribution, involves adjusting the fat beneath the eyes rather than removing it entirely. The goal is to smooth the under-eye area, reducing dark circles and puffiness while creating a more refreshed appearance.
As more public figures speak openly about cosmetic procedures in a shift from the industry’s traditionally more private stance, such treatments are increasingly becoming part of broader beauty conversations among younger audiences in South Korea.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.