Nana Responds to Criticism Over Her Appearance in Historical K-Drama “The Scandal”
Following the controversy over her alleged lip fillers, the actress apologized for making viewers “uncomfortable.”
by Kyla Villena
Published on Sep 24, 2026
Ji Chang-wook, Son Ye-jin, and Nana each displayed their acting prowess in The Scandal, a period K-drama that premiered on Netflix last September 18. Given its sensual premise, in which notorious playboy Cho Won (Ji Chang-wook) attempts to seduce young widow An Hui-yeon (Nana), who has taken a vow of abstinence, one could anticipate the discussions it would stir.
However, the conversation took a different turn as netizens found themselves “distracted” by one particular detail involving Nana.
Nana Apologizes for Making Viewers “Uncomfortable” with Her Fuller-Looking Lips
Some viewers of The Scandal said Nana’s lips disrupted their immersion in the story, set during the Joseon dynasty. Noting that they appeared fuller than before, netizens speculated that the actress may have gotten lip fillers. They argued that her pout looked out of place within the historical setting and for her character.
On September 22, just days after the show premiered, the actress issued an apology on subscription-based fan platform Bubble. “If my lips made viewers uncomfortable, then that was my fault,” she wrote. “I think it was a personal choice that wasn’t the right one for me as an actor.”
She also shared that she felt “even more sorry” because her supporters must have also been hurt by the harsh criticism directed her way. “From now on, I’ll do my best so that we can hear more positive things together," she concluded.
Some netizens, however, argued that “celebrity beauty standards are so exhausting,” pointing out how viewers appear to be more critical of women’s appearances.
What are your thoughts?
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.