Many celebrities in the Korean entertainment industry tend to keep a low profile regarding plastic surgery. However, Lee Se Young is not one of them.
The comedian and actress candidly shared her experience with a chest filler mishap that was both painful and ridiculous – and true to her nature, she transformed the entire situation into comedic brilliance.
Yet, beneath the humour lies a deeper narrative about body image, online trolls, and the true price of feeling comfortable in your own skin.
Who Is Lee Se Young?
Credits: Manila Bulletin
If you’ve spent enough time online, it’s likely you’ve come across Lee Se Young without even knowing it. A viral video showcasing her exaggerated “auntie smile” turned into a worldwide meme – yet behind the humour lies a seasoned entertainer who has been active since her teenage years.
Best recognised for her performances in Reply 1998 and SNL Korea, Se Young has established a unique space for herself with her bold, over-the-top comedy and unfiltered honesty.
Even with her achievements, Se Young faced constant criticism from netizens regarding her looks – especially her petite stature and flat chest. The online harassment was not only severe but also unyielding. After years of putting up with this, she chose to take control of the situation (and a surgeon’s scalpel) herself.
Se Young underwent several cosmetic surgeries, reportedly spending 100 Million Won (~S$92k) on her enhancements. These included double eyelid surgery, a nose job, and breast fillers that increased her size from an A to a D cup. She even likened the total expense to that of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The Chest Filler Catastrophe
Credits: SportsChosun
Things were finally looking up after her breast fillers provided her with the curves she had always believed were lacking. That is, until a disastrous encounter with a gym barbell transformed her cosmetic enhancement into a medical crisis.
While exercising, Se Young inadvertently dropped a barbell onto her chest. The force of the impact caused one of her breast fillers to burst, resulting in what she referred to as a “collapsed” breast. What ensued was a painful yet somewhat ridiculous experience – she had to wrap her chest tightly in public until she could receive emergency corrective surgery.
The circumstances were so critical that the doctors needed to perform surgery to remove the fillers. Later on, she chose implants over fillers, discovering that the results were more stable and fulfilling. True to her nature, she recounted the experience with humour – demonstrating that even in her most vulnerable moments, she remains a comedian at heart.
Lee Se Young’s candidness regarding her plastic surgery experiences, including the mishaps, brings a refreshing honesty to the Korean entertainment scene.
Beauty, Bravery, and the Business of Being Real
Credits: http://www.mk.co.kr
In a society where celebrities frequently keep their plastic surgery under wraps, Lee Se Young’s candidness is quite revolutionary.
She’s not glorifying the procedure – she’s being straightforward about it, including the challenges and expenses involved. By doing this, she’s creating an opportunity for a more genuine discussion about self-image, particularly in the often harsh realm of K-entertainment.
Lee Se Young’s transformation wasn’t easy, yet she’s still smiling, and now, she’s literally standing taller. Her journey is a mix of a cautionary tale and a comeback story – completely relatable for anyone who has ever looked in the mirror and wished for just a bit more.
Featured image credits: Soompi, daydaynews.cc
