SM Entertainment is under fire after fans suspected that one of its newest trainees, Takagi Justin Jay—also known as JJ—underwent plastic surgery. JJ is part of SMTR25, the upcoming 25-member boy group introduced by SM Entertainment earlier this year.
Fans Notice Changes in JJ’s Face
The buzz started after new photos of JJ at SM Town in Los Angeles surfaced online. Fans quickly noticed a striking difference in his appearance compared to earlier photos—especially his sharper facial features and a more defined nose bridge.
Though JJ already had strong and well-defined features, many fans speculated that he may have had cosmetic surgery to fit Korean beauty standards, which some felt didn’t match well with his Japanese-American heritage.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
The reactions were mixed. While some were impressed by JJ’s upgraded visuals, others were angry and questioned SM Entertainment’s choices. One fan commented:
“Why would they make someone with such defined Western features get plastic surgery? Korean beauty standards are something else.”
Another fan wrote:
“His nose was already perfect. Even if someone begged the doctor, they should’ve refused.”
These comments reflect growing concerns over the pressure K-pop trainees face to match strict visual standards, even when they already meet global beauty norms.
JJ’s Rise in SMTR25
JJ has been in the public eye even before joining SM. He was previously part of BigHit Music’s pre-debut team, Trainee A. He later joined SM Entertainment and became part of SMTR25, a 25-member trainee group introduced at SMTOWN Live 2025 during the label’s 30th anniversary.
At the event, the trainees impressed fans with performances of legendary K-pop songs like SHINee’s “Lucifer” and EXO’s “Growl.” While SM hasn’t officially revealed full profiles or debut plans, fans have already recognized a few of the trainees, including Charlie Mullis, Riku Kitazume, Chin Kachinthorn, Kassho, Haruta, Haru, and Krit.
What’s Next for SMTR25?
As of now, SM Entertainment hasn’t released any official statement about JJ’s appearance or the plastic surgery rumors. The final lineup for SMTR25 also remains unconfirmed, and it’s unclear when or if the group will debut.
While JJ’s new look continues to divide fans, one thing is certain: all eyes are on SM Entertainment and its next steps with this highly anticipated group.
