What Happened to Park Bom of 2NE1? Illness Update and Plastic Surgery Concerns Resurface as She Announces Break

Park Bom, the powerhouse vocalist of K-pop girl group 2NE1, is taking a step back from group activities due to health concerns, her agency D-Nation Entertainment confirmed this week.

In an official statement made on Wednesday, Park's agency said, 'After receiving medical advice recommending sufficient rest and stability, we reached this decision after careful discussions. We ask for your warm support for Park Bom's recovery.'

While the official reason points to medical advice and a need for rest, the situation has reignited long-standing speculation about Bom's health, her changing appearance, and recent behaviour online.

A Troubling Pattern of Missed Appearances

The decision follows a pattern of cancelled performances and erratic online behaviour from Park in recent months. Most recently, the 41-year-old singer pulled out of the Waterbomb Busan music festival on July 26, a last-minute move that raised eyebrows in the tightly run world of K-pop, where sudden cancellations are rare.

Though she did appear alongside her group at the halftime show during the Tottenham vs Newcastle match in Seoul on August 3, fans have noticed that her involvement in performances has been inconsistent since 2NE1 reunited for their 15th anniversary in 2024.

She had previously taken a break in February and March 2025, before returning for encore concerts in April. However, she missed the group's set at Head In The Clouds in Los Angeles in June.

Plastic Surgery Rumours and Online Concern

Alongside concerns about her physical health, fans have expressed growing alarm over Park Bom's appearance and behaviour on social media. Over the last couple of months, the singer has shared heavily filtered selfies and posted unverified personal claims, including one in which she stated she was dating actor Lee Min-ho, which was widely dismissed by fans and media.

Her changing appearance has also teased long-standing speculation about plastic surgery. Many fans commented on her altered facial features, questioning whether it was the result of cosmetic procedures or digital editing. 'What the hell has she done to her face?' one fan wrote. Another pleaded, 'Queen Boomie, please stop editing your face with those filters, you're so pretty, they're unnecessary.'

Despite years of speculation, Park has denied undergoing plastic surgery. She has publicly stated that her facial swelling and changes in weight are linked to lymphadenitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the lymph nodes. She has also cited ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) as making it difficult to maintain a consistent diet.

In 2020, D-Nation Entertainment addressed similar concerns, stating, 'Some people say she got plastic surgery, but that's not the case. [She] has had a hard time for a while due to stress,' which, they explained, had led to noticeable weight gain and visible changes in her facial features.

Another Target of Korean Beauty Standards

Park Bom has long been a subject of intense public scrutiny, amplified by South Korea's rigid beauty standards and its booming cosmetic surgery industry. As a result, many public figures, especially women, face constant speculation about their appearance, and Park has not been immune.

Despite the criticism, she became a spokesperson for a Korean weight loss clinic in the past, reportedly shedding 11kg. Still, even that transformation was met with scepticism by some who believed her appearance was due to more than just weight fluctuations.

For now, Park Bom's agency says the focus is entirely on her recovery. 'We are deeply saddened to deliver this news,' the statement read. 'We kindly ask fans to support Park Bom's recovery. We also hope fans will continue to cheer on Sandara Park, CL and Gong Minzy, who will give their best to ensure Park's absence is not felt.'

As the group continues without her for now, fans remain hopeful for Park's full recovery and eventual return to the stage. The other group members are reportedly expected to carry on with scheduled appearances, including the Waterbomb Singapore 2025 festival at the end of August.