[Sportschosun reporter Park A-ram] As recent photos of actor Bae Yong-joon, 53, surfaced, an online eyewitness account of seeing him in person has become a hot topic.
Photos and videos showing Bae Yong-joon on a recent trip to Singapore have spread across social media and online communities. The released images also showed his wife, Park Soo-jin, their two children, and the family of actors Park Shin-hye and Choi Tae-joon.
Above all, his long-awaited update drew attention.
Wearing a hat and a mask, he appeared to be enjoying his trip in a relaxed outfit, with his long hair tied back and turned gray. His natural look, very different from his days as a Hallyu star, caught the eye.
After the photos were released, various reactions to his changed appearance followed online. One user, who identified themselves as an eyewitness at the scene, added to the buzz by sharing their personal impression.
The user said, "I saw the two families up close on the cruise," and added, "Aside from his hair turning completely white, he looked very well maintained. His healthy, tanned skin was impressive."
They continued, "Unlike the photos circulating online, he looked much more natural and younger in person," and added, "He was tall and had a distinctive presence. I could see why he became a celebrity." The user also noted, "Seeing him in person, his handsome looks still stood out."
Bae Yong-joon rose to fame through the early-2000s drama Winter Sonata, becoming a key figure in the spread of the Korean Wave across Asia. He married Park Soo-jin, a former member of Sugar, in 2015 and has two children. More recently, he has reportedly been focusing more on family life than entertainment activities.
Although Bae Yong-joon has long since stopped official activities, any update about him still draws intense attention. This latest eyewitness account also spread quickly online, once again underscoring his lasting influence.
tokkig@sportschosun.com
