Hu Hsin-Yi first gained online attention during the Beijing art school entrance exam in January 2025. Applicants were instructed not to wear makeup, but Hu's naturally radiant complexion led examiners to believe she was wearing foundation. She was asked to remove her makeup five times.
"The examiner rubbed my face hard, made me close my eyes, and pulled my eyelashes to see if they were real," Hu recounted.
The incident quickly went viral, making Hu the center of a heated online debate. Many commented, "being beautiful is also a crime."
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Hu Hsin-Yi during the talent exam in Beijing, 1/2025. Photo: World Journal |
Hu Hsin-Yi during the talent exam in Beijing, 1/2025. Photo: World Journal
Amidst the public discussion, Hu chose to remain silent. In early August, she revealed on social media that she scored 83 points, ranking 17th in the Communication University of China's major-specific exam. Her college entrance exam score was 548, exceeding the arts program admission standard by 80 points.
The head of the Broadcasting and Hosting Department at the Communication University of China acknowledged Hu's accomplishments, stating that she stands out not only for her appearance but also for her talent.
Following the opening ceremony in early September, Hu shared childhood photos to refute plastic surgery rumors.
A student at Haidian Foreign Language Experimental School in Beijing, Hu Hsin-Yi is 1.72 m tall and weighs 45 kg. Since kindergarten, she has been known as a "little storyteller" and has shown talent in calligraphy, swimming, and music.
Bao Nhien (Paper/World Journal)
