Actor Shin Min-a poses during a press conference in Seoul, June 15. Yonhap
Recent pregnancy rumors surrounding female celebrities have once again highlighted the intense scrutiny placed on women's bodies.
Online posts speculating that an actress or singer is pregnant often spread rapidly after photos show her wearing loose-fitting clothing or appearing slightly different from before. Such rumors are no longer limited to married celebrities but have also targeted women who are merely engaged or preparing for marriage.
Actor Shin Min-a became the latest target after attending the press screening of the film Eyes on June 15. Some internet users claimed she appeared fuller-faced than in the past and speculated that she was expecting a child. The rumors echoed similar speculation that surfaced after her marriage to actor Kim Woo-bin last November, when online users pointed to what they described as a "swollen" appearance. Her agency dismissed both rumors as completely unfounded.
Shin is far from the only celebrity to face such speculation.
