At a promotional event for his film House behind bars on October 18, 2025, Song Ji Hyo warmly welcomed fans at Mokdong Megabox, signing autographs and showing off her distinctive charm. A fan who attended the event shared a clip on Instagram, expressing admiration for her performance and kindness:
“After greeting on stage, I could see the movie from the front row. Song Ji Hyo’s acting was amazing! I’m a longtime Running Man viewer, thanks for the autograph!”
Despite the positive interaction with fans, the video sparked negative reactions online, with some commenters focusing not on his talent or charisma but on his physical appearance. Detractors began comparing her current appearance to that of her early days, speculating about weight gain and even suggesting health problems.
Some comments went so far as to call her unrecognizable, using terms like “ahjumma” (a Korean term that can derogatorily refer to middle-aged women) and expressing disbelief at her transformation.
As this criticism flooded social media, Song Ji Hyo’s loyal fans quickly came to her defense, praising her continued dedication to acting and embracing her personal growth. Supporters reminded critics of her decades-long career, her fearless authenticity and her recent ventures, including modeling for her own lingerie brand, a move that boosts her confidence and evolving self-image.
Song Ji Hyo has yet to publicly respond to the remarks, but her goal remains clear: to move forward in her career, challenge herself artistically, and stay true to herself, regardless of the noise.
Sources: Koreaboo
