Screen capture from the YouTube channel ‘Chonjang Entertainment TV ’.

The past record of Oksun, a 31st-season contestant on the SBS Plus·ENA variety show ‘I Am Solo’, winning at a hanbok beauty pageant has come to light belatedly and is drawing attention.

Recently, photos showing Oksun taking part in the finals of the ‘7th Korea Hanbok Beauty Selection Contest 2021’, held in 2021 at Novotel Ambassador Doksan in Seoul, have spread across online communities and social media.

According to the released materials, Oksun received the ‘Che’ award at the time. The event selects hanbok promotion ambassadors to publicize the beauty of hanbok and conduct promotional activities domestically and overseas, and Oksun is said to have earned qualification as a hanbok promotion ambassador along with the award.

After her past background became known, online users were divided. Some praised her appearance, saying, “She definitely lives up to the name Oksun”, “Hanbok suits her well”, and “She is indeed pretty”.

By contrast, other users expressed a cool reception, saying, “Because of how she appeared on the broadcast, she does not come across well”, “So there was a reason for her confidence”, and “Separate from her looks, she is not appealing”.

A scene from the SBS Plus·ENA variety show ‘I Am Solo’.

Meanwhile, Oksun was at the center of the so-called ‘Soon-ja bullying controversy’ that flared up during the 31st season of ‘I Am Solo’, drawing criticism from viewers. The controversy grew after a scene aired in which the cast discussed and evaluated Soon-ja while she was right next to them.

Afterward, Oksun publicly apologized to Soon-ja during a live broadcast on the YouTube channel ‘Chonjang Entertainment TV’ held after the final episode aired. However, some viewers reacted critically, questioning the sincerity of the apology.