Former MOMOLAND Member JooE Debuts in Musical, Sparks Online Discussion Over Appearance

Lee Joo-won (이주원), better known as JooE, a former member of the K-pop girl group MOMOLAND, debuted with a lively and outgoing image, serving as the group's rapper. Her distinctive personality garnered a large fanbase over the years. She has previously spoken openly on television about the changes she made to enhance her beauty, including adjusting her nose bridge before debut and later undergoing double eyelid surgery. Her candidness was well-received by many viewers.

Beyond her entertainment activities, JooE frequently interacts with fans on Instagram, sharing daily life photos and updates. However, each time she posts new pictures, they often draw attention to changes in her appearance, leading to recurring comments like "How did she change again?" and "She looks different again," becoming a hot topic among fans.

In recent years, JooE has shifted her focus to musical theater, officially making her debut as a musical actress. She took the stage in the musical 'Caffeine' at Seoul's Good Theater, marking her first challenge in musical performance. However, after photos from the show were released, online discussion unexpectedly centered on her recent physical transformation.

JooE recently met audiences through the musical 'Caffeine,' playing Sejin (세진), a cafe manager and barista who embodies both coffee and wine. The character is portrayed as bright and confident, and JooE conveyed her through rich expressions and vocal tones, showcasing a different performing charm from her idol days.

Regarding her musical debut, JooE shared her thoughts after the performance: "I'm so happy to have successfully completed my first performance as Sejin. I truly want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the staff and actors who have been with me and helped me every step of the way. Honestly, it still feels a bit surreal, but I hope to continue growing and becoming a better version of myself in future performances."

However, after the release of production stills, the focus of online discussion in Korea was not solely on her stage performance. Many netizens instead noted her different appearance and styling compared to the past, with some even speculating about cosmetic procedures.

One netizen commented, "She must have had a lot of cosmetic work done, but her natural face shape seems impossible to change." Others wrote, "Auntie...?" and "I'm starting to forget what she originally looked like. I hope future news articles about her include her original photos."

Some also expressed surprise at her transition to musical theater: "A musical...?" and "I thought she looked really pretty after her cosmetic procedures, but now she seems to have reverted to her original look... Maybe it can't be helped."

While some netizens focused their discussion on her appearance, JooE's official challenge on the musical stage marks a new phase in her entertainment career. As she transitions from idol group member to musical actress, her ability to prove her talent through subsequent performances remains a key focus for fans.