Alleged Former SM Trainee Visuals Trigger Hugely Divided Reactions

Recently, a photo went viral on Korean online communities after news of a new season of Produce 101 Japan.

Many were shocked and wondered how a face like this appeared on the show. It was also revealed that many were flocking to watch the show just for this one trainee.

With many curious to see his real-life image, a one-second shot of the trainee during the signal song was posted.

Although many felt he looked like a different person, they still hoped he had talent.

However, watching a clip from the signal song choreography, many netizens were disappointed.

飯塚亮賀、新世界のカンニングニキだった pic.twitter.com/CZqLY7bYEK

— トリ (@A_mk888) February 22, 2026

Previously, there were rumors that he was from SM, but it turned out that was another trainee.

However, netizens had a divided response to his visuals and talent.

• “They really need to tone it down with the editing. Why do they keep doing that if they aren’t going to edit him throughout the whole show?”
• “Even handsome people look ugly if they have no talent.”
• “He looks so different from the first photo…this is a total scam.”
• “I think he would look ok if they dressed him up a bit.”
• “I think if they dress him up and do his hair, they will all look pretty much the same.”
• “He looks handsome enough to say that this is not a scam, though?”