The actress and former member of the supergroup After School, known as Nana, made a candid statement on social media, putting an end to a question that has worried fans since 2022. The star confirmed that she underwent a long and painful process of removing almost all of her numerous tattoos, leaving only one that holds the deepest meaning for her.
In her emotional post, published on October 12, 2025, Nana shared personal experiences related to the transformation of her body. She emphasized that, despite the collection of tattoos, she does not regret her previous decisions. The main symbol that remained on her skin is the number “1968”, perpetuating the memory of the person she respects the most.
From a Bold Manifesto to a Clean Body: A Timeline of Change
Nana’s public tattoo journey began in 2022. It was then, at a press conference dedicated to the release of the film “Confession”, that the actress first appeared before the public with an entire gallery of drawings on her body. This step was a real shock to the conservative South Korean media space. While tattoos in Korea are gradually emerging from the shadows, for top actresses and idols they still remain a serious obstacle to obtaining “clean” advertising contracts and roles in major dramas.
At that time, Nana resolutely stated that the tattoos were her personal choice and were in no way related to the character she played in the film. It was a bold, personal manifesto that instantly made her an icon of freedom of expression in Asia.
Tattoo as a Compromise: A Mother’s Request
However, already in 2023, in an interview on YouTube, Nana revealed that she had begun the process of removal. The reason for this radical turn was a request from her mother. This decision demonstrates the complex dynamics of family relationships and respect for elders, deeply rooted in Korean culture.
The actress explained that since her mother had previously fully supported her decision to get tattoos, Nana could not refuse her reciprocal request – to see her daughter with a “clean body again”. This act of submission, dictated by love, is a striking example of how the personal self-expression of celebrities is often adjusted under the influence of loved ones and public expectations.
The only remaining drawing – “1968” – symbolically connects her past decision and current state. This number represents the year of her mother’s birth, the person she considers the most important in her life. This is not just a tribute, it is an anchor that preserves personal meaning, even when external expression has been sacrificed.
Expert Analysis by tatufoto.com: Tattoos as a Career Barometer
Nana’s decision to remove tattoos is certainly a landmark event for the entire Asian entertainment industry. While Western stars, such as Miley Cyrus or Dua Lipa, can freely use tattoos as part of their image, in South Korea, tattoos remain a kind of “glass ceiling” for actresses striving for universal popularity.
What this step means in the context of tattoo culture and career:
- Industry Pressure: Removing tattoos is often an unspoken requirement for transitioning to more prestigious and “clean” roles in film and television, where a maximally neutral appearance is required.
- Metaphor for Growth: Nana herself interprets the pain of removal as a process of purification and growth. She stated: “I returned with a clean body, and by enduring the pain, I became stronger. The struggles of the past have now become memories”. This narrative allows her to transform a forced retreat into a story of personal victory.
- Commercial Potential: A “clean canvas” opens doors to advertising contracts with large conglomerates that traditionally avoid cooperating with stars with visible tattoos.
This incident clearly demonstrates the double standards that exist in show business: tattoos can be accepted as a temporary, “rebellious” stage, but for a long-term, stable career in the mainstream, they often have to be eliminated. At the same time, preserving one, deeply personal tattoo dedicated to family is an ideal compromise that allows you to maintain sincerity while still meeting public expectations.
Message of Hope and New Music
In addition to explaining the reasons, Nana used her post to share a deeper, more philosophical message. She emphasized that she was able to overcome the pain by being honest with herself, acknowledging and accepting her suffering. Now she seeks to convey this experience through her creativity.
“Now I hope to create music that will be close to others. I want to convey a message of hope that no one is alone in their pain and that everyone can overcome it,” the star wrote.
This aspiration for empathy coincided with the release of her first solo album. Recall that Nana released her debut solo album “Seventh Heaven 16” with the title track “GOD” on September 14. Now, with a “clean” image and new musical material, Nana is ready for the next stage of her career, demonstrating that true strength lies not in the ink on her skin, but in the ability to embrace change and share her experience with the world.