Woo beat 25 other finalists at the national final in Seoul to win the title, according to Sports Chosun. She appeared surprised when her name was announced and said she had not expected to win. “I didn’t expect it at all, so I couldn’t even prepare an acceptance speech,” she said.
Woo also thanked the organizers and her fellow contestants, saying their collective effort helped make the final a memorable event.
|
Woo Seo Yoon at the pageant finale. Photo from Daum |
Woo is the daughter of former professional basketball player Woo Ji-won, who was widely known during his sporting career. She also appeared on television with her father several times when she was younger, according to Daum.
After her victory, social media users began sharing screenshots from those earlier television appearances and comparing them with recent images. Some pointed to apparent changes in the shape of her eyes, nose and jawline, according to Maeil Business.
 |
|
Woo Seo Yoon on television as a teenager (left) and today. Photo from Instagram/@wooseoyeon |
The comparisons sparked divided reactions online. Some commenters speculated that Woo may have undergone cosmetic procedures and questioned whether contemporary beauty contests still emphasize natural appearance.
Others defended her, arguing that changes in facial features can also result from weight loss, makeup, styling and natural changes as a person matures.
 |
|
Past and present photos of Woo Seo Yoon circulate on online beauty forums. Photo from Instagram/Rocket Mag |
Woo has not publicly responded to the speculation, according to Daum. Miss Korea’s rules do not bar contestants who have undergone cosmetic surgery.
First held in 1957, Miss Korea has long served as a launching platform for careers in entertainment. Previous winners and contestants include actresses Kim Sung-ryung, Kim Sa-rang and Honey Lee, according to Hankook Ilbo.