The internet has been buzzing lately over a series of old photos of Lee Ya-young, the popular hot girl and cheerleader affectionately called the nation’s favorite cousin by fans.
These pictures, taken about six years ago when she was working as a car model, quickly became a hot topic, with many fans admitting they barely recognized her without being told it was the same person.
Lee Ya-young first grabbed major attention in March when she officially joined the Fubon Angels cheerleading squad for the Fubon Guardians baseball team.
With her striking looks, bright energy, and captivating performance style, she quickly rose to cheerleading stardom, gaining a huge following on social media in a short time.
But with fame came curiosity. On a beauty forum, a user unexpectedly shared a batch of Lee Ya-young’s old modeling photos, instantly sparking thousands of comments. In these shots, she wears a white dress showing off her shoulders, has long light brown hair, a radiant smile, and confident poise. Her figure looks just as slim and alluring as now, but her face appears softer and simpler compared to her current image.
This difference shocked many online. Comments like “I really didn’t recognize her at first,” “If you didn’t say it was her, I’d think it was someone else,” and “She looks totally different now” flooded the thread. Some even joked that Lee Ya-young has completely transformed after years in the cheerleading scene.
Still, opinions quickly split. While some insisted her appearance changed too much, many fans defended her, saying it’s natural for her look to sharpen over time with changes in makeup style, photography, and fashion sense. One fan said, “She’s beautiful before and after,” while another added, “Any changes are definitely for the better.”
Beyond looks, many say what really makes Lee Ya-young stand out is her energetic, lively presence on the field. Switching from modeling to cheerleading was a smart move that helped her connect with a wider audience and build a friendly, approachable image.
