A growing number of K-pop idols are opening up about the physical toll of extreme dieting, sparking concern among fans over the industry’s long-standing obsession with thinness.
Recently, Seunghee of OH MY GIRL surprised viewers on the YouTube channel “Mim PD” when she revealed her weight was just “40 kilograms” (about 88 pounds). During an InBody test on the show, a specialist told her, “Your weight is below the healthy range for your height. Exercise is important, but so is eating properly.”
When asked if her low weight affected her performances, Seunghee admitted, “I often feel weak and dizzy.” She has since begun a “get healthy again” project with her group members, focusing on regular meals and balanced workouts.
The issue echoes similar stories from other idols, including solo artist HyunA, who once revealed she maintained a weight of 40 kilograms at the height of her career. Appearing on Rain’s YouTube show “Season B Season” in May last year, she said, “Back then, I was 40kg. I would go through entire schedules surviving on one piece of gimbap. My health started collapsing when I was around 26. I wanted to perform well, but my body wouldn’t let me.”
Her former manager also discussed her condition on MBC’s “The Manager,” saying, “HyunA fainted many times while dieting. We eventually had to assign staff specifically to keep an eye on her so she wouldn’t overdo it.” HyunA has since gained about 8 kilograms and said she now feels much healthier.
Behind the glamour of the K-pop stage lies intense pressure to maintain unrealistic body standards. Many idols have publicly admitted to crash dieting before comebacks, while others struggle with fatigue, dizziness, or eating disorders as a result.
As Seunghee’s and HyunA’s experiences circulate online, fans have flooded social media with messages of concern, urging agencies to prioritize health over appearance. “Health comes first,” one fan wrote — a sentiment widely echoed across platforms.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.