Time moves quickly in K‑pop, and nowhere is this more evident than with idols who debuted at an incredibly young age. Fans often find themselves stunned when “children” once saw them suddenly return to the stage with a completely different aura, taller, sharper and unmistakably developed. Recently, a third generation idol has become the center of attention for this very reason: NCT DREAMIt’s Jisung.
NCT debuted in 2016 and introduced the same year NCT DREAMa unit originally designed around a young, rotational concept. With an average debut age of just over 15, the group has stood out for its bright, age-appropriate image. Their early performances also featured hoverboards, a detail that many fans still associate with the group’s innocent beginnings. Among them, Maknae Jisung attracted special affection, he was only 15 years old at the time, he already had experience as a child artist and looked even younger than his age.
Fast forward to today and the contrast is astonishing. Now 23, Jisung recently made his debut at Paris Fashion Weekattending SYSTEMof the event and immediately attracting attention. Dressed in a sleek all-black ensemble, he showed off his height and proportions, projecting a calm and confident presence that seemed worlds away from his early days.
Photos of the event quickly circulated online, sparking a wave of emotional reactions from fans. Many expressed disbelief at how much had changed, with comments reminiscent of the “baby” who once rode hoverboards on stage. Others simply marveled at his refined visuals, praising how naturally he grew into his features.
Jisung’s transformation is more than just physical splendor: it represents the passage of time shared between idol and fan. For longtime supporters, seeing him take the global fashion stage was both surreal and sentimental, a reminder that the young idols they once cheered for are now carving out new identities as adult performers.
From youthful charm to mature elegance, Jisung’s journey encompasses one of K‑pop’s most emotional experiences: grow together.
Sources: Koreaboo
