A recent Instagram post by Kim Hee-chul shed light on Han Geng’s current situation, sparking diverse reactions from Korean netizens after the two were captured in a selfie together on May 4th.
In the shared photo, Kim Hee-chul, born in July 1983, and Han Geng, born in February 1984, showcased their enduring friendship, with both men still possessing impressive visuals even in their 40s.
While many admired the long-standing camaraderie between the two, attention quickly shifted to Han Geng’s changed appearance. The former Super Junior member had previously drawn scrutiny from Korean netizens in January when an interview video surfaced on a Chinese YouTube channel, revealing a significantly altered look that left him barely recognizable.
Following his departure from Super Junior, Han Geng pursued a career in China as an actor and singer, undergoing a complete image transformation from his days as a Korean boy group idol. This evolution shocked Korean netizens, prompting critical comments about his ageing visuals and contrasting his current appearance with his youthful idol image.
Netizens previously remarked on Han Geng’s ageing, questioning why former Super Junior members seemed to have aged rapidly and expressing surprise at his transition to a more mature appearance post-idol life. Comparisons between Han Geng and Kim Hee-chul of the same age further fueled discussions online, with some noting Han Geng’s perceived older appearance.
Han Geng originally debuted as a member of Super Junior in November 2005 and later joined Super Junior-M in 2008. However, he parted ways with SM Entertainment in November 2009, filing a lawsuit to terminate his contract and pursuing independent endeavours in China since then.
The reactions from Korean netizens underscore the scrutiny faced by celebrities in the public eye, particularly regarding changes in appearance and career trajectories post-K-pop. Despite criticisms, Han Geng continues to pursue his passion in the Chinese entertainment industry, maintaining a lasting connection with his former colleague, Kim Hee-chul.
