K-Pop Singer Nana Faces Ongoing Criticism After International Beauty Honor

South Korean K‑pop singer Nana (Kang Ji‑min), known for her work with the girl group After School and its sub‑unit Orange Caramel, was named the world's most beautiful face by TC Candler's ranking in 2014 and again in 2015. The accolade drew intense backlash from the Korean public, with many questioning whether she could surpass established actresses such as Song Hye‑kyo, Kim Tae‑hee, Jun Ji‑hyun and Son Ye‑jin. Over the years the criticism expanded beyond her appearance to scrutinize her personal life, including repeated speculation about possible cosmetic surgery. Nana has publicly admitted feeling guilty about receiving the title and at times avoided describing herself as the world's most beautiful woman.

Despite the controversy, she has spent almost a decade working to reshape her image from a beauty symbol to a respected actress, gradually gaining recognition for her talents beyond appearance.