Go Yoon Jung, the star of Netflix’s Resident Playbook, has become the target of a malicious photo-editing incident. Her image was altered and used without permission in a plastic surgery advertisement, prompting her agency to investigate and pursue legal action.
What Happened to Go Yoon Jung’s Photo
A graduation photo of Go Yoon Jung was edited and shared online to promote plastic surgery. The altered image changed her facial features, particularly her eyes, to resemble a cat-like shape popular among plastic surgery trends. The post, titled “The Actress Even Japanese Women Try to Copy Through Plastic Surgery,” suggested her face was a model for beauty enhancement procedures. This was reported by South Korean media outlet My Daily on April 21, 2025.
The original poster shared the edited photo on celebrity discussion forums. The post aimed to advertise plastic surgery by implying Go Yoon Jung’s appearance was achieved through such procedures. Her natural features, including her soft doe eyes, were altered to fit a different aesthetic. This sparked outrage among fans and netizens.
“It’s disgusting how they twisted her real photo to push their agenda.”
“She’s beautiful as she is, why edit her face like that?”
“This is straight-up defamation, hope the agency sues!”
— Netizen reactions on online forums
Support from Fans and a Classmate
Fans quickly criticized the edited photo and the misleading post. A high school classmate of Go Yoon Jung stepped forward to defend her. They shared the original, unedited graduation photo to prove the alterations were false. This action gained widespread support online.
The classmate’s post highlighted Go Yoon Jung’s natural beauty. It also exposed the malicious intent behind the edited image. Fans praised the classmate for their quick response.
“Thank you to her classmate for shutting this down with the real photo!”
“Her natural face is stunning, no surgery needed.”
— Comments from fans on social media
Agency’s Response and Legal Action
Go Yoon Jung’s agency, MAA Entertainment, issued a strong statement addressing the incident. They condemned the spread of false information and malicious edits. The agency vowed to take legal action against those responsible.
“False information, malicious photo edits, and defamatory comments about our artist are being recklessly circulated on online communities and social media. We will take strong legal action against any attempts to defame our artist through slander or false claims.”
— MAA Entertainment official statement
MAA Entertainment is actively investigating the source of the edited photo. They are working to identify the original poster and any parties involved in the advertisement. The agency emphasized their commitment to protecting Go Yoon Jung’s reputation.
Previous Incidents of Malicious Editing
This is not the first time Go Yoon Jung has faced such issues. In January 2023, her high school graduation photo was also maliciously edited and spread online. MAA Entertainment responded similarly, announcing legal action against those responsible.
“Currently, false information, maliciously edited photos, and posts attacking our artist’s character are indiscriminately spreading on various community bulletin boards and social media. We will take strong legal action against malicious posts and comments of slander, false information, and defamation with our artist [Go Yoon Jung] as the subject.”
— MAA Entertainment statement, January 5, 2023
The recurrence of such incidents has raised concerns among fans. Many are calling for stricter regulations on photo editing and online defamation.
Go Yoon Jung’s Role in Resident Playbook
Go Yoon Jung stars as Oh Yi Young, a first-year OB-GYN resident, in Resident Playbook. The drama is a spin-off of the popular series Hospital Playlist. It premiered on Netflix on April 12, 2025, and airs on tvN every Saturday and Sunday.
The show follows the lives of young doctors at the Jongno branch of Yulje Medical Center. Go Yoon Jung’s character navigates the challenges of a demanding medical residency. The drama has gained attention for its realistic portrayal of hospital life and strong cast, including Shin Si Ah, Kang You Seok, and Han Ye Ji.
Despite the photo-editing controversy, Go Yoon Jung remains focused on her work. In a recent interview with Elle Korea, she spoke about her experience filming Resident Playbook.
“By answering the questions the younger cast members asked me, I learned a lot as well.”
— Go Yoon Jung on teamwork in Resident Playbook
Public Reaction and Industry Context
The incident has sparked discussions about the ethics of photo editing in advertisements. Many netizens criticized the plastic surgery industry for exploiting celebrities’ images. Some pointed out the harm caused by promoting unrealistic beauty standards.
“Using someone’s face without consent is so wrong.”
“This industry needs to stop messing with people’s images.”
— Netizen comments on social media
The controversy comes amid broader challenges in South Korea’s entertainment and medical industries. Resident Playbook’s release coincided with a real-world medical crisis. In February 2024, many doctors and residents protested government plans to increase medical school enrollment. This led to delays in the drama’s production and release, originally planned for March 2024.
Despite these challenges, Resident Playbook has performed well. Its premiere episode earned a 3.68% rating, making it the top show in its time slot. The drama continues to draw viewers with its compelling story and cameos from Hospital Playlist stars like Jung Kyung Ho and Ahn Eun Jin.
Go Yoon Jung’s Career and Public Image
Go Yoon Jung, born on April 22, 1996, is a rising star in South Korea. She debuted in the 2019 drama He Is Psychometric and gained recognition for her role in Sweet Home (2020). Her performances in Law School (2021), Alchemy of Souls (2022–2023), and Moving (2023) have earned her praise.
She also starred in the 2022 film Hunt and the series Death’s Game (2023–2024). In 2025, she will appear in Can This Love Be Translated?, set for release on Netflix. Her natural beauty and talent have made her a popular figure. However, her “diamond ratio” face, as described by estheticians, has also drawn unwanted attention.
In 2021, KBIZoom reported on speculation about Go Yoon Jung’s appearance, claiming her beauty was partly due to plastic surgery. Her agency and fans refuted these claims, emphasizing her natural features. The recent photo-editing incident has reignited these discussions, prompting renewed support from her fanbase.
Current Status of the Issue
As of April 23, 2025, MAA Entertainment is moving forward with legal action. They are collecting evidence to identify those behind the edited photo and advertisement. Fans continue to support Go Yoon Jung, urging respect for her privacy and image.
Resident Playbook remains a focal point of her career. The drama’s recent episodes have featured notable cameos, including TXT members Yeonjun and Soobin as part of Kang You Seok’s former idol group, HI BOYZ. These additions have kept the show in the spotlight.
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The incident has not affected Go Yoon Jung’s professional commitments. She continues to engage with her projects and fans, maintaining a positive public presence.
CREDITS/SOURCE: Sports Donga, tvN
