Model Hong Jin-kyung revealed old photos through her social media. In the photos, Hong Jin-kyung showed off her long wavy hair and pure appearance, drawing attention for her resemblance to her daughter, Lael.

Along with the photos, Hong Jin-kyung wrote, "I was surprised while looking through old pictures. A much more mature feeling than now? I remember that day when Jeong-shin and Sai-da came to visit our house. At that time, Jeong-shin was living in Korea, and I think I was just being playful and bright, not knowing Jeong-shin would go far away." In the photos, Hong Jin-kyung displayed a slim figure and a sharp nose, with facial features not much different from now.

This post received various reactions from netizens. Comments included, "She looks exactly like Lael," "Her molars are pretty too," "So beautiful," "My wannabe," "Lael's adult face has been spoiled," "Lael, your mom saved you," and "Lael, be confident."

Meanwhile, Hong Jin-kyung's daughter Lael appeared on Hong Jin-kyung's YouTube channel in the past to directly address the controversy over photo editing on social media. Lael said, "Every woman's bare face is different. The look from five years ago was an unadorned face, and now it's just a different styling. I only used a TikTok filter and did not do any additional editing," showing tears. At that time, Hong Jin-kyung appeared flustered, and Lael said, "There were so many malicious comments. Reading comments used to make me happy, but now I can't do anything." In response, Hong Jin-kyung said, "That's right. I deeply empathize with your pain. I'm sorry for the reality where you can't do everything you want like ordinary peers."

Hong Jin-kyung got married in 2003 and had a daughter, and she announced her divorce last August.