While Some People Accuse SM Entertainment of Actively 'Covering Up' Their Idols, There Could Be A More Harmless Explanation Behind Their Change In Skin Color.
Recently, SM Entertainment has been the target of questions and attention after fans noticed that the agency's rookies seem to have much brighter skin than when they were trainees. But, believe it or not, there is a plausible explanation, and it comes from Red Velvet's Seulgi.
Besides her unique monolid eyes and cat-like facial structure, one of the features that Seulgi recognizes is her naturally tanned skin. But even though she still has that gorgeous golden sheen, her skin is even more caramel tinted before she debuted with Red Velvet.
Fans have noticed the same pattern as the stars of several other SM Entertainment groups as well, one of which is the new NCT member, Shotaro. In his pre-debut photo, Shotaro's skin tone looks darker than since he debuted.
No different from Seulgi, fans were surprised when the agency recently introduced Giselle, the fourth member of their new girl group, aespa. Her old school photos appeared online shortly before her introduction, and fans say that in the photos, her skin tone looks more tanned.
Source: Koreaboo
However, while some people accuse SM Entertainment of actively "covering up" their idols, there may be a more harmless explanation behind their change in skin color. Seulgi explained it all in one episode of her reality show with Irene, "Level Up! Thrilling Project".
In the clip from the show, Seulgi and Irene reminisce about their trainee days and one thing that stands out for Seulgi is how her appearance has changed. He mentioned that he used to be a "brown skinned kid", but once he joined SM Entertainment, his skin "got lighter".
This made Irene immediately explain the funny reason how Seulgi's skin color changes. The leader and oldest member of Red Velvet said, "Because we are often in the basement!".
"In the dungeon" is a joking term fans often use to describe idols with little activity and comebacks. But in the case of SM Entertainment, it is a real place. Many agency practice spaces are located below ground level at the corporate headquarters, while the upper floors are made up of restaurants, shops and public offices.
SM Entertainment trainees can spend six to seven hours a day training, six days a week. Some trainees (such as those with short training periods, such as Shotaro and Giselle) even choose to stay and train longer. With so much time spent in the basement away from natural sunlight, it was no surprise that the trainees' skin turned a lot paler when they debuted.
(wk / dewi)