SEOUL (VnExpress/Vietnam News): Newly crowned Miss Korea 2026 Woo Seo Yoon has become the subject of online speculation over whether she underwent cosmetic procedures, reviving debate over beauty standards and judging criteria in modern pageants.
Woo beat 25 other finalists at the national final in Seoul to win the title, according to Sports Chosun. She appeared surprised when her name was announced and said she had not expected to win. "I didn't expect it at all, so I couldn't even prepare an acceptance speech," she said.
Woo also thanked the organisers and her fellow contestants, saying their collective effort helped make the final a memorable event.
Woo is the daughter of former professional basketball player Woo Ji-won, who was widely known during his sporting career. She also appeared on television with her father several times when she was younger, according to Daum.
After her victory, social media users began sharing screenshots from those earlier television appearances and comparing them with recent images. Some pointed to apparent changes in the shape of her eyes, nose and jawline, according to Maeil Business.
The comparisons sparked divided reactions online. Some commenters speculated that Woo may have undergone cosmetic procedures and questioned whether contemporary beauty contests still emphasize natural appearance.
Others defended her, arguing that changes in facial features can also result from weight loss, makeup, styling and natural changes as a person matures.
Woo has not publicly responded to the speculation, according to Daum. Miss Korea's rules do not bar contestants who have undergone cosmetic surgery.
First held in 1957, Miss Korea has long served as a launching platform for careers in entertainment. Previous winners and contestants include actresses Kim Sung-ryung, Kim Sa-rang and Honey Lee, according to Hankook Ilbo. -- VnExpress/Vietnam News
