Is Irene of Red Velvet Really Actress Material? Sparks Intense Debate

Red Velvet leader Irene is facing controversy over her acting career prospects.

The controversy began when Irene mentioned she was at her label to attend a class. Netizens quickly speculated it might be an acting class. No official word on her current projects, but the post went viral in Korea.

Soon after, Korean netizens started debating if Irene is “too old” to start acting now. Some said she should have pursued acting earlier in Red Velvet’s career. Others criticized her height, saying she doesn’t fit the industry standard for actresses.

“She doesn’t have the face of an actress. Plus, actresses need to be tall.”
“She would do it if she wanted to.”
“She’s too short…. Even if you’re short, it’s fine if your proportions are good, but her proportions are also…”

More comments piled on:

“Actresses around her age do seem to be more glamorous.”
“It’s too late.”

International fans fired back against these points. They called out the age and height bias, pointing out many male actors twice her age still get main roles.

“Can someone explain why everyone is suddenly obsessed with Irene’s height and age when male actors twice her age are still playing leads?” — international fan response

Irene is no newbie to acting. She debuted in a 2016 web drama Women at a Game Company and got positive reviews. She took a lead role in the 2021 movie Double Patty. Whether she will push deeper into acting remains unclear.

Red Velvet’s Irene | @renebaebae/Instagram

Check out Irene’s acting in the trailer for Double Patty: