Mukbang YouTuber Shor_mouth_sun, left, and comedian Park Na-rae / Yonhap, Courtesy of MBC
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A growing controversy over alleged illegal medical services has put comedian Park Na-rae and popular “mukbang” eating program YouTuber Short_mouth_sun at the center of a public debate over so-called “diet injections” and appetite suppressants known as the “butterfly pill.”
The two celebrities are under police investigation after being accused of receiving unlicensed medical services from an “injection aunt,” identified as A. As scrutiny intensified, attention has shifted to diet pills allegedly provided by A, which some suspect to be phentermine, a controlled appetite suppressant drug.
According to a report by entertainment outlet Dispatch on Dec. 18, A discussed the medication in KakaoTalk messages with Park’s manager, saying, “Short_mouth_sun takes it three times a day, and up to four times on days she eats heavily.” Based on images of the pills and pharmaceutical information released by Dispatch, the drug is suspected to be phentermine, nicknamed because of its distinct shape resembling a butterfly.
Phentermine is regulated under the Narcotics Control Act as a psychotropic substance. Possession, use or distribution without a doctor’s prescription can result in up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won.
Park said she first met A at a hospital in Seoul’s Gangnam district through an acquaintance and believed that A was a licensed doctor. She said, “I should have looked more carefully into the circumstances and acted more cautiously, and my failure to do so is entirely my fault. I am reflecting deeply on this.” She also announced she was supending her public activities.
Short_mouth_sun said she had only received medication for inflammation from the hospital where A worked and denied any connection to diet pills or intravenous treatments.
Park Na-rae had previously drawn attention for what appeared to be successful weight loss through exercise while on the TV variety show “I Live Alone.” Short_mouth_sun has also said in past broadcasts that she maintains her health through regular workouts despite her food-focused content. Observers note that the allegations have dealt a significant blow to both figures’ public images.
What is the ‘butterfly pill’?
Phentermine is a psychotropic appetite suppressant used as a short-term adjunct treatment for obesity. It reduces hunger by acting on the hypothalamus in the brain and stimulates the central nervous system to increase the release of norepinephrine, thereby suppressing appetite.
The drug is typically prescribed short-term for patients with a body mass index of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher when accompanied by conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, and is intended to be used alongside exercise and calorie restrictions. Clinical data show effectiveness in 89.5 percent of cases, but experts warn that excessive appetite loss throughout the day can increase health risks.
Users have reported side effects including heart palpitations, insomnia and appetite loss. Because the drug is relatively inexpensive and known for its strong effect, it has been widely misused. Chemically, phentermine is structurally similar to methamphetamine and can trigger positive results in drug tests.
More severe complications such as pulmonary arterial hypertension and other cardiovascular issues have been reported. Abuse may also lead to psychosis or hallucinations, which is why the drug is strictly regulated as a narcotic in Korea.
The drug is contraindicated for people with hypertension or heart disease, as well as those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants, and is recommended only for short-term use. Health experts stress that weight loss should prioritize exercise and dietary management, and that phentermine must never be used without a physician’s prescription.
Phentermine should not be confused with fentanyl, a powerful opioid painkiller with a similar-sounding name. While fentanyl has legitimate medical uses, it is also highly addictive and is the leading cause of drug-related deaths in the United States.
Signs of phentermine addiction and treatment
Phentermine dependence often begins with heightened alertness, anxiety and cardiovascular stimulation, and can progress to depression, auditory hallucinations, delusions and serious heart problems. Risks increase with dosage.
Warning signs of addiction include needing higher doses for the same effect, visiting multiple clinics to obtain additional prescriptions, experiencing severe anxiety, depression or lethargy when stopping the drug, or using it more for alertness, concentration or mood elevation than for weight loss.
If symptoms such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, rapid or irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of judgment, violent behavior, seizures, reduced consciousness, sudden paralysis, slurred speech or facial drooping occur, immediate emergency care is required.
Experts advise against abruptly quitting phentermine alone. Instead, users should honestly disclose usage and symptoms to the prescribing clinic, an internal medicine doctor or a psychiatrist and taper off gradually. Treatment may include antidepressants, anxiety management or behavioral therapy. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, consistent meals and caffeine control are also essential to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent rebound weight gain.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.