Hong Jin-Kyung’s daughter Lael broke down in tears while sharing her distress over harsh online criticism following a TikTok photo filter controversy.
Raw Emotions Surface in YouTube Video
In a recent YouTube video on the family channel, Lael openly displayed her face and expressed deep regret. She explained attending her university entrance exam without any enhancements, stating, “I went to the exam completely natural. Seeing my bare face on YouTube embarrasses me.”
Lael has since faced intense scrutiny after posting filtered images on TikTok, sparking debates over noticeable differences from her unedited exam-day appearance shared previously.
Defending Modern Beauty Standards
Addressing the backlash, Lael clarified, “Today’s young women prioritize their looks. My past YouTube clips captured me without makeup, but anyone transforms with a bit of effort.” She emphasized, “If you glam up, the change is inevitable.”
She firmly rejected the criticism, saying, “Filters exist for a reason. They’re standard tools, so why question them? Public support keeps the beauty industry alive—people need to engage positively.”
TikTok Account Deleted Amid Hurt
Overwhelmed, Lael deleted her TikTok account. She lamented, “Posting on SNS draws unwanted stares; I wish viewers would look away. It’s exhausting—there’s no authentic side left to share when everything feels judged.”
Lael described the pressure as a “deep emotional burden,” highlighting the lack of privacy in the digital age.
