On March 13, 2026, South Korean broadcaster Park Ji-yoon found herself in the spotlight for a reason that was both playful and a tad awkward. The popular television personality took to her social media to share a recent experience that has been making waves among celebrities and travelers alike: the Wanghong makeup trend. Her post, however, wasn’t just a simple reveal—it was laced with humor and a dash of self-consciousness, especially in light of fellow celebrity Han Ga-in’s own dazzling foray into the trend.
Park Ji-yoon’s post featured a striking photograph. Dressed in a bold, bright red outfit, she struck a pose that was both dramatic and mysterious, her face coyly hidden from view. According to coverage by Newsis, the accompanying caption read, “I also tried Wanghong makeup, but what should I do when Han Ga-in does it?” It was a candid admission of feeling a little upstaged by Han Ga-in’s recent viral transformation. To drive home the playful rivalry, Park even included a photo of Han Ga-in’s look, captioned, “The ultimate Wanghong has appeared.”
For those not steeped in the latest East Asian beauty trends, Wanghong makeup is a phenomenon that’s swept through Chinese social media and is now making its mark among Korean celebrities and tourists. The term “Wanghong” refers to Chinese internet celebrities known for their glamorous, sometimes extravagant online personas. The makeup style itself is characterized by its flashy colors, bold contours, and elaborate costumes—think of it as a cross between high fashion and a digital-age masquerade ball.
This trend isn’t just for the anonymous masses or internet influencers. In recent months, a string of well-known Korean entertainers have joined in, sharing their own transformations and delighting their fans. According to Newsis, comedian Park Myung-soo, fellow comedian Kwak Beom, and Lee Mi-joo of the girl group Lovelyz have all embraced the Wanghong look, each putting their own spin on the vibrant style. Their posts have drawn enthusiastic reactions and sparked conversations about the playful side of celebrity culture.
Han Ga-in, a household name in South Korea for her acting and television work, took the trend a step further by releasing a full video of her Wanghong makeup experience on her YouTube channel. Her transformation was so striking that fans and fellow celebrities alike dubbed her the “ultimate Wanghong.” The video quickly gained traction, with viewers marveling at her commitment to the look and the elaborate artistry involved.
Park Ji-yoon’s reaction to Han Ga-in’s reveal was a mix of admiration and playful resignation. As she wrote on her SNS, “I also tried Wanghong makeup, but what should I do when Han Ga-in does it?” The rhetorical question resonated with her followers, many of whom saw it as a lighthearted nod to the friendly competition that often exists in the entertainment industry. The use of an emoticon to cover her face in the photo added an extra layer of humor, suggesting that even seasoned broadcasters can feel a little shy when the spotlight turns unexpectedly bright.
The exchange between Park Ji-yoon and Han Ga-in highlights a broader trend in how celebrities engage with their audiences in the age of social media. Where once public figures maintained carefully curated images, today’s stars are more likely to share candid moments, self-deprecating jokes, and even their insecurities with fans. This openness has helped to humanize celebrities, making them more relatable and approachable—even as they experiment with the kind of larger-than-life looks that define the Wanghong style.
According to JoyNews24, Park Ji-yoon’s post also included a nod to her recent personal history. She married fellow broadcaster Choi Dong-seok in 2009, and the couple had one son and one daughter. However, in 2023, news broke of their divorce, a fact she has addressed publicly. Despite personal challenges, Park has remained a visible and influential figure in South Korean media, known for her wit, charm, and willingness to embrace new trends.
The Wanghong makeup craze is more than just a fleeting fad—it’s become a cultural touchstone for travelers to China and a way for celebrities to connect with fans through shared experiences. The process often involves donning elaborate costumes and makeup, posing for photos or videos, and sharing the results online. For many, it’s a chance to step into a different persona, if only for a moment, and to participate in a global conversation about beauty, identity, and performance.
For Park Ji-yoon, the experience was both fun and a little daunting. By sharing her own attempt at the Wanghong look, she invited her followers to join her in laughing at herself and celebrating the creativity that defines today’s entertainment landscape. Her willingness to poke fun at her own efforts, especially when compared to Han Ga-in’s “ultimate” transformation, underscores a refreshing humility that has endeared her to fans for years.
Meanwhile, Han Ga-in’s video has set a new benchmark for the trend, with many fans describing her as the “queen” of Wanghong makeup. Her meticulous attention to detail and willingness to fully embrace the style have inspired others to try it for themselves, turning what was once a niche internet phenomenon into a mainstream sensation.
The friendly banter and mutual admiration between Park Ji-yoon and Han Ga-in reflect the evolving dynamics of celebrity culture in South Korea. Rather than competing in secret, today’s stars are more likely to engage in public, good-natured rivalries that entertain fans and foster a sense of community. It’s a reminder that, beneath the glamorous makeup and carefully staged photos, celebrities are people too—prone to the same insecurities, joys, and moments of self-doubt as anyone else.
As the Wanghong makeup trend continues to spread, it’s likely that more celebrities and everyday people will join in, sharing their own transformations and stories online. For now, Park Ji-yoon’s candid post serves as both a celebration of creativity and a gentle reminder that it’s okay to feel a little awkward when someone else steals the spotlight. After all, in the world of social media, there’s always room for another dazzling reveal—or a good-natured laugh at oneself.