26-year-old Korean man shocks others with baby face

With his melodic voice and chubby cheeks, you wouldn't think Shin Hyomyung is any older than 12 years old.

However, his identity card states that he was born in 1989, which makes him 26 years old this year.

The young man from Korea enjoys dancing and likes to dress up, just like any other youth in the country.

A local TV programme recently interviewed Mr Shin in his home and found a sexy pin-up poster of Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson in his bedroom, prompting him to share about his desire for an attractive girlfriend.

He was filmed drinking alcohol and dancing in a club, where a flabbergasted woman pinched his round cheeks.

Mr Shin also had a date in a cafe with a beautiful young woman who was shocked when he told her his age.

Although he underwent a complete makeover with the help of a professional styling team, he did not seem to have succeeded in his attempt to appear older.

According to Korea Boo, Mr Shin suffers from a rare condition which causes him to age very slowly.

Photos from his childhood show him developing normally until he entered his teens, where his growth seems to have slowed to almost a halt.

He has not undergone puberty like his peers, and retains a baby face with full cheeks and soft skin. His body build also remains one of a child's.

Mr Shin is in good health despite the stunted ageing, doctors said.

minlee@sph.com.sg