Krystal Jung, celebrated as a visual queen of 3rd generation K-Pop, is facing a wave of criticism after her recent appearance at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Known for her stunning looks, the 30-year-old star walked the red carpet on September 19 in an elegant black gown that turned heads, but also ignited controversy.

While her fashion choices, including a chic velvet dress paired with her signature red lips, were praised, a post surfacing on Korean online forums took aim at her appearance. Critics were quick to comment on how she appeared older than her years, sparking discussions about her hairstyle and overall look.

Commenters lamented her hair choices, suggesting they highlighted her flaws rather than enhancing her beauty. "She never has a good hairstyle," one user remarked, while another questioned, "Why does she look so old? Did she age all of a sudden?". This chatter reached a point where some users noted that Krystal’s thin and fragile hair seemed to lack volume, creating an illusion that made her face appear even longer.

In stark contrast, fellow idols born in 1994, such as Hyeri, Suzy, and Jisoo, were mentioned as aging gracefully, further intensifying the scrutiny on Krystal.

As she approaches her 31st birthday on October 24, 2025, this sudden wave of harsh judgments raises questions about ageism in the entertainment industry, particularly towards women in the spotlight. Can we redefine beauty standards, or will the criticism continue to overshadow the talents and hard work of seasoned idols like Krystal?