It is a well-known fact that in the K-pop industry, trainees undergo an intense regimen to alter their aesthetics according to the orders of management or the theme surrounding their debut. In most cases, your favourite idols would not look the same during their pre-debut phases, but what if you’re just born with a face that perfectly fits the public’s standard of beauty?
Recently, netizens were star-struck over shared photos of ALLDAY PROJECT’s (올데이 프로젝트) Tarzzan (타잔) pre-debut, posted on the Korean community site, Pann. Noting that his current aesthetic leans towards a bolder, reggae style, which was wrapped up in controversy, fans reminisce about his “soft-boy” era look and how it would be a better fit for him.
The photos uploaded to Pann were revealed to be of Tarzzan’s, whose real name is Lee Chaewon’s (이채원), pre-debut photos when he was 17 years old. The idol can be seen posing in a high school photo without his now-controversial braids and a shot of him through a digital camera, where fans can witness a softer persona to the idol’s usual hip-hop style.
Netizens from both Twitter and Pann have agreed that the ALLDAY PROJECT’s member looks better without his braids on, mentioning how it gave him a softer look, fitting for his facial structure. A Pann user comments, “At first glance, he looks like he has a warm heart. Above all, I like his personality; as he looks easygoing and friendly”. Netizens have also supported Tarzzan in his styling choice, mentioning how it would only encompass his debut. Another Pann user comments, “Right now, this is the group’s aesthetic! That’s why they have this styling now, and they’ll probably do a soft look at some point too”.
Do we like a softer look on Tarzzan, or should he maintain his current look?
Alyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article
