Actress Kang Ye-won, 47, Showcases Youthful Look After Seven Eye Surgeries; Experts Urge Caution

Published Aug. 3, 2026, 1:36 p.m. KST — Source: Kormedi.com, translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.

South Korean actress Kang Ye-won has attracted attention for her youthful appearance after posting a series of recent photos on social media. In the images, Kang is seen wearing a black outfit with a white lace collar, striking various poses. Her long hair with bangs further accentuates her youthful look.

Kang, 47, previously disclosed that she has undergone eye surgery seven times. These procedures include multiple medial epicanthoplasty operations — commonly known as inner corner eye surgery — as well as reconstructive surgery intended to reverse some of the earlier modifications. Her candor about repeated procedures stands out in South Korea, where cosmetic surgery is widely practiced and normalized but personal disclosures by public figures remain relatively uncommon.

Understanding Medial Epicanthoplasty

While the vertical size of the eyes contributes to the appearance of larger eyes, the horizontal width is equally important. To increase the horizontal length, surgeons may perform medial or lateral epicanthoplasty.

Medial epicanthoplasty, which Kang is known to have undergone several times, involves removing the epicanthal fold — the skin fold covering the inner corner of the eye — to create a more open appearance. The epicanthal fold is a common anatomical feature among East Asian populations, and procedures to modify it are among the most frequently requested double-eyelid and eye-contouring surgeries in the region. Prominent epicanthal folds can make the eyes appear shorter or create the illusion of greater distance between the eyes, regardless of their actual size.

However, experts caution that the procedure should not be viewed solely as a cosmetic enhancement. The structures around the inner and outer corners of the eyes play important roles in blinking, protecting the cornea, and draining tears.

Overcorrection can expose too much of the reddish tissue at the inner corner of the eye, making the eyes appear unnaturally close together. It may also destabilize the tear film, leading to dry eyes or a foreign-body sensation, while increasing the risk of scarring or tissue depression. Specialists therefore emphasize considering overall facial balance and eye function rather than following cosmetic trends or seeking short-term satisfaction.

Reconstructive Surgery: Possibilities and Limitations

If the shape of the eyes changes excessively or significant scarring develops after medial epicanthoplasty, reconstructive surgery may be considered. Rather than simply covering the inner corner again, reconstruction functions more as a restorative procedure that repositions damaged skin and soft tissue to achieve a more natural appearance while improving function.

Even so, reconstructive surgery has limitations and risks. Severe scarring or insufficient healthy tissue can make the procedure technically challenging. Asymmetry, readhesion of tissues, and overcorrection remain possible complications. Because it is difficult to restore the eyes completely to their original state, patients should maintain realistic expectations and fully understand both the potential benefits and limitations before undergoing surgery. The difficulty of full reversal underscores why specialists stress conservative initial procedures.

Why Some People Repeatedly Undergo Cosmetic Surgery

Experts say people who undergo multiple cosmetic procedures often share certain psychological tendencies, particularly adaptation to physical changes. Initially, surgery may be intended to address a specific insecurity. Over time, however, people become accustomed to their altered appearance, and the initial satisfaction gradually fades. As a result, they may begin to focus on other facial features that previously did not concern them.

Positive feedback from others can also encourage repeat procedures. Frequent compliments after cosmetic surgery may lead some people to believe that additional changes will yield even better results.

Medical professionals stress that cosmetic surgery should be approached carefully, taking into account an individual's facial proportions and unique characteristics. Because surgical results are long-lasting, they recommend giving the decision careful thought and consulting qualified specialists beforehand. Public health researchers in South Korea have also advocated for pre-surgical psychological counseling to help patients set realistic goals and reduce the likelihood of repeated corrective procedures.