Netizens shared their contrasting opinions on "W" magazine's branding of Lee Sung Kyung as South Korea's own version of Gigi Hadid.
The comparison was made in the April issue of the US magazine wherein the Korean actress was featured as the cover girl. The edition presented several reasons why Lee Sung Kyung can be leveled with the American fashion model.
"To put her celebrity into perspective, in a country of some 50 million people, more than ten percent of the country is following her," the paper stated. That would make her proportionally right on par with Gigi Hadid's following in America."
Koreaboo supported the magazine with a few more reasons why Lee Sung Kyung's popularity is going beyond the borders of Asia.
The 26-year-old celebrity started out as a model before she transitioned to acting with "It's Okay, This Is Love" as Lee Kwang Soo's girlfriend. The 2014 series has opened more opportunities for her acting career and led to landing the supporting roles in "Doctors" and "Cheese in the Trap."
Lee Sung Kyung had her breakthrough in "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo" where she starred with her label mate and rumored boyfriend Nam Joo Hyuk. Although the come-of-age drama ended with a lackluster finale, her onscreen chemistry with the actor has been creating a buzz in the online world.
The actress even scored several brand promotions and photo shoots after playing the titular role. One of which was her photo shoot with "W" magazine where she was first called as South Korea's Gigi Hadid.
Although the comparison is a proof of Lee Sung Kyung's rising popularity, some of her fans thought the Korean actress should not be compared to anyone regardless of how popular the other celebrity may be.
"She's her own person and doesn't need to be compared to someone else," a fan wrote. Another one argued, "She is her own person. She's no one but herself. Let her be her own brand. [Lee] Sung Kyung is perfect in her own way."
In other news, Lee Sung Kyung has been rumored to be dating her "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo" leading man, Nam Joo Hyuk, after a media outlet spotted the two together in several instances.
