Photos of Im Si Wan, a popular idol-turned-actor, have recently gone viral, attracting over 42,000 views online. Released simultaneously by SM Entertainment and The Black Label, the images showcase contrasting styling concepts that have led to a wave of mixed reactions from fans and netizens alike.
Contrasting Concepts from Two Labels
As of 2025, Im Si Wan is signed under The Black Label while also being affiliated with SM’s label, SMart, marking his debut as a solo artist. The release included album concept photos from SM and new profile images from The Black Label, each presenting a different artistic vision for the actor.
Social media platforms have become a battleground for opinions on the two sets of photos. Comments ranged from admiration to criticism, reflecting the polarized views of fans. One user remarked, “SM suits him now, but I think The Black Label would look better when he’s older,” highlighting a preference for the traditional idol aesthetic associated with SM.
Another fan expressed, “I like the latter concept, but the bright image suits him better,” suggesting a split preference between the two styles. Others were less impressed, with a netizen questioning, “Is this really the best they could do?” indicating dissatisfaction with both portrayals.
Community Feedback Highlights Divided Opinions
The conversation illustrates the diverse expectations fans have for Im Si Wan’s career. Multiple commenters shared their thoughts on the photos, stating, “I think the first set of photos is better because they just shot it better.” This reflects a belief that the quality of the images significantly impacts their appeal.
A number of fans showed enthusiastic support for the SM images, with several exclamations of “SM!!!” indicating a strong attachment to the label’s branding. Conversely, some acknowledged the potential of The Black Label’s concept but criticized the styling decisions. One comment read, “The Black Label concept is good, but they failed to style him well.”
In summary, the contrasting styles presented by SM Entertainment and The Black Label have ignited a lively discussion among fans. Many believe that Im Si Wan made a wise choice in aligning with different labels to cater to his dual career as an idol and actor, with one fan noting, “SM is idol, and The Black Label is actor…I think he did a good job at choosing the right label for each career.”
As the debate continues, it is clear that Im Si Wan’s journey in the entertainment industry is just beginning, leaving fans eager to see how his artistic identity evolves.
