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A Chinese student, identified as “momo” on the social platform Xiaohongshu, has publicly clarified misunderstandings about her nationality and appearance after her graduation photo resurfaced online, sparking widespread speculation.
On April 4, 2025, momo emphasized in a post that she is “born and raised in China” and dismissed rumors falsely identifying her as Korean. The photo, originally shared during the 2024 graduation season to commemorate a moment captured by a friend, unexpectedly gained hundreds of thousands of views.
Overwhelmed by the attention, the self-described introvert hid the post within days.
A year later, the image reemerged on multiple platforms, with some users incorrectly claiming she was Korean. Others misinterpreted her lightened hair—achieved through bleaching and experimental colored shampoos—as an attempt to “look white.” Momo firmly denied these assertions, stating, “I never dyed my hair blonde to become someone else. My skin tone is natural, and I’ve never been ashamed of it.”
She further explained that the photo, taken after an hour of makeup preparation for her graduation ceremony, showcased her at her best. “I don’t look this stunning without makeup—I’m the type you’d miss on the street,” she admitted, urging netizens to stop debating her appearance and focus on positive discussions.
The post garnered supportive responses, with users praising her authenticity. A Guangdong-based commenter wrote, “You’re gorgeous — ignore the online noise!”
Another from Jiangsu complimented her hair, to which momo humorously replied, “It’s actually a mess; I have to use a lot of oil to manage it.”
However, the photo’s resurgence also led to racially charged remarks on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where some users mistakenly associated her with Canada’s Indian community and posted discriminatory comments. A Beijing-based observer noted, “Your photo exploded on X, but the comments are full of racist remarks against Indians.”
Momo attempted to clarify her identity on international platforms but acknowledged the limited reach of her efforts, calling them “a drop in the bucket.” Her experience has since fueled broader discussions about cultural diversity and online misinformation.
Source: Xiaohongshu
*The opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author.*
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