Lee Si An, a former Idol School and PRODUCE 48 contestant who later gained global attention through the Netflix dating show Single’s Inferno, has unexpectedly found herself at the center of a heated beauty controversy. A recent video demonstrating the effects of a popular “toning cream” quickly went viral, reigniting long-standing debates about skin tone, beauty standards and accusations of “whitewashing” in K-pop.
Toning creams also known in the past as whitening creams or CC creams are cosmetic products designed to instantly brighten the skin. Although they have been around for years, their widespread use among K-pop idols, not just on the face but all over the body, has attracted more and more attention. Many see them as a staple of idol style, while others criticize what they believe is an unhealthy obsession with extreme paleness.
In her video, Lee Si An openly explained why toning products are part of her daily makeup routine. She said she prefers a particularly glowing complexion and feels the need to match her face, neck and hands so that her skin tone also appears on camera. According to her, blending the neck and hands is “essential,” especially for women who are often filmed under strong lighting.
To prove this, Lee Si An tested two different toning products on her arm, noting that they are commonly used not only by herself but also by other cast members and professional makeup artists. One product, a spray toner, was featured as a go-to item during the filming of Single’s Inferno for its convenience. The other, a cream often used in her makeup studio, gets progressively lighter with each layer while remaining hydrating and setting with a matte finish. She also mentioned applying to areas like the knees and armpits to achieve an overall toned texture.
The visual contrast was striking: after the fusion, his arms appeared noticeably different in color, a transformation that immediately caught viewers’ attention. Clips and screenshots spread quickly in online communities, particularly on Korean forums, where hundreds of comments poured in within hours.
Reactions were sharply divided. Some netizens argue that toning creams are simply another form of makeup and a matter of personal preference, no different from choosing certain foundation shades or makeup styles. Others, however, have criticized the trend as reinforcing unrealistic and exclusive beauty standards, labeling it a form of whitewashing. The debate has extended beyond Lee Si An herself, with commentators noting that many idols who are said to be “naturally pale” may also rely heavily on such products.
While some viewers expressed curiosity or even fascination with how the cream perfectly matched their facial skin tone, others questioned the practicality of using such products every day, wondering whether they rub off on clothing or dry out the skin. Numerous commentators have also reflected on Korea’s long cultural history of favoring light skin, arguing that it differs from Western concepts of race-based whiteness, while critics have countered that the tradition does not justify extreme or harmful beauty ideals.
As discussions continue to spread on social media, Lee Si An’s video has become more than just a demonstration of beauty. It has turned into a crucial conversation about K-pop aesthetics, cultural preferences and the global scrutiny faced by Korean celebrities in the increasingly international spotlight.
Sources: Koreaboo
