It has caught the attention of netizens that actor and model Ahn Jae Hyun has shown a much more muscular appearance, which contrasts with the slender figure he used throughout most of his career.
As reported by Allkpop, Ahn posted several photos on November 22 sans caption, letting the transformation speak for itself. Dressed in a velvet jacket and a red shirt, his frame was more rugged, more defined than what viewers were used to.
Fans immediately took notice of the change. Many have contrasted his broader shoulders and strengthened build with his long-standing reputation for what audiences once described as a "sickly beauty."
Read more: Ahn Jae-hyun's Shocking Bulk-Up Moment Goes Viral— 'I Feel Like My Muscles Are About to Burst'
Indeed, his earlier appearances on variety programs such as New Journey to the West often featured a fragile, paper-thin frame. Coverage from The Chosun Daily noted the stark shift in his public image.
In an interview in the past, Ahn explained that his transformation is intentional. "Since I had no muscle to begin with, it builds up easily," he joked, adding he had gained 10kg (or around 22 pounds) over the course of a year.
The actor first revealed in August that he had started a structured workout and weight-training routine. Fans responding online highlighted how different he looked from his earlier era, with many noting that the added weight softened the overly delicate persona often associated with him, replacing it with a more grounded and athletic impression.
Ahn's new look comes when he is busy with the variety show "Our Journey Takes Us Nowhere!" that airs on ENA and NXT. Though he hasn't commented with his recent social media photos, his expression and styling spoke volumes of confidence in the transformation.
Industry observers have noted that his transition reflects a more general trend among male actors who, after having relied extensively on ethereal or slim visuals, have shifted toward healthier or more muscular ones. Online discussions also highlighted how his transformation aligns with recent casting trends that favor more versatile physical profiles.
Still, the fact that his previous image stayed the same for so long makes fans particularly struck by the extent of the change. The uncaptioned snaps left a lot to the imagination, but also allowed the photographs to speak for themselves — all the while driving the surprise factor among his followers.
