TXT member Beomgyu has ignited a heated discussion online following a viral video clip where he candidly discussed his own visuals and the effect they have on people.
His self-analysis, which centered on the contrasting perceptions of his face, has been met with a diverse range of reactions, with some fans praising his honest confidence while critics deemed the remarks as overly self-absorbed or “narcissistic.”
The incident provides a snapshot of the intense scrutiny K-Pop idols face when addressing their own public image.
The Reason Behind the Aegyo
The viral clip features Beomgyu explaining the conscious effort he puts into his on-camera persona.
He revealed that he deliberately strives to be “playful, cute, and smiling” to counteract the initial impression people have of him.
According to the idol himself, when he simply remains still, his looks lead people to “freeze up because I look so cold-hearted.”
He humorously added that people who meet him in real life for the first time are often surprised because they expect a cute persona but instead encounter “someone who is so handsome and looks so cold.”
TXT’s Beomgyu (Credit: YouTube)
He concluded by summarizing the duality:
“My cold-hearted look is really cold. So I deliberately smile more and do more aegyo.”
The Critic’s View: Too Caught Up With Self
The remarks quickly divided netizens. A significant portion of the online commentary focused on criticizing the idol’s apparent self-focus.
One critical netizen found the honesty jarring, stating:
“The fact that he says this with his own mouth is so annoying.”
Another comment went deeper, expressing bewilderment not at the content but at the serious delivery:
“The problem is not his expression, but the fact that he says that ‘there is a really handsome person’ in such a serious way… I’m taken aback by the fact that he’s not talking about being misunderstood for his resting face, but that he’s talking seriously about how handsome he is.”
Some also pointed to a perceived group trend, suggesting that “Almost all the members are narcissistic,” implying this type of self-praise is common within TXT’s persona or “storyline.”
The Fan’s Defense: Simply Stating the Truth
“He’s talking about him being a handsome guy like it’s nothing, but it’s the truth so I keep nodding my head.”
Another strongly agreed with his self-assessment of his looks, calling him a “cold, handsome guy,” and confirming that his description was “surprisingly enough, it’s the truth.”
For these supporters, Beomgyu’s confidence is seen as part of his charming, self-aware personality, where he is playfully embracing the reality of his exceptional visuals.
Navigating the Idol Image
The controversy illustrates the tightrope walk K-Pop idols must perform when managing their public image.
While humility is often expected, confidence and a willingness to engage with one’s own image can also be highly celebrated.
Beomgyu’s remarks, whether intended as genuine self-assessment or a lighthearted moment of confidence, clearly struck a nerve and forced fans and critics alike to react to his declaration of being a “cold, handsome man.”
This online debate reaffirms that in the world of K-Pop, even a brief, off-the-cuff comment about one’s looks can become viral content, triggering a massive, multifaceted reaction across global fandoms.
The controversial figure Yoo Seung Joon (also known as Steve Yoo) has made a surprising and significant return to the Korean music scene, featuring on a new track by rapper JUSTHIS.
On November 20 KST, JUSTHIS released his 2nd full album, LIT (deluxe edition). The final track on the album, “Home Home,” includes the voice of Yoo Seung Joon, marking his first appearance on a Korean album in 23 years.
This collaboration, recorded in Los Angeles, immediately sparked discussions due to Yoo Seung Joon’s long-standing legal battle with the South Korean government over his immigration status.
The Collaboration and the Behind-the-Scenes Film
The news of the feature was unveiled alongside a behind-the-scenes film released by JUSTHIS on the same day as the album.
The film documents JUSTHIS’s journey to Los Angeles specifically to record the final track, “Home Home.”
It is in this behind-the-scenes footage that the exiled Korean singer is seen joining the rapper in the studio to contribute his vocals.
The recording itself, taking place far from South Korea, underscores the complexity and emotional weight surrounding Yoo Seung Joon’s music activities and his enduring connection to his home country, even in absence.
The Military Service and Citizenship Controversy
Yoo Seung Joon’s long exclusion from South Korea stems from a highly publicized controversy dating back to 2002. At the time, he was one of the country’s most popular singers.
However, just before his mandatory military enlistment, he forfeited his South Korean citizenship to acquire U.S. citizenship.
This move was widely interpreted by the public and the government as an intentional evasion of military duty, which is considered a sacred obligation in South Korea.
The action resulted in a swift and permanent entry ban imposed by the Korean government.
Yoo Seung Joon (Credit: YouTube)
The Legal Battle for Re-Entry
Since his initial ban, Yoo Seung Joon has launched a series of high-profile legal challenges to regain the right to enter the country.
In 2015, his request for an F-4 travel visa for overseas Koreans was denied by the Korean consulate general in LA.
This denial led to a prolonged legal battle claiming the visa denial was unlawful.
Although the South Korean court sided with Yoo Seung Joon three times in these lawsuits, the former musician has yet to receive an actual travel visa to the country.
The protracted legal saga has kept him out of South Korea, despite the court’s rulings in his favor.
A Tentative Return to the Korean Music Scene
The feature on JUSTHIS’s album, while recorded overseas, is symbolically significant as Yoo Seung Joon’s first recorded contribution to a Korean music album in over two decades.
The song title, “Home Home,” adds a poignant layer of meaning to the collaboration, likely referencing the long-unresolved yearning for a place he is legally prohibited from visiting.
The public and media reaction to this musical return remains a delicate issue, caught between appreciation for his talent and the historical controversy surrounding his citizenship choice and military evasion.
The song now serves as a new focal point for the conversation surrounding his status and the potential for his eventual re-entry.
