A growing number of K-pop performers are publicly sharing their experiences with extreme dieting practices that have severely impacted their health, bringing renewed attention to the entertainment industry's persistent focus on maintaining unrealistic body standards. These revelations have sparked widespread concern among fans and industry observers about the physical and mental toll that such practices take on young artists.
Seunghee from the popular girl group OH MY GIRL recently shocked viewers during an appearance on the YouTube channel Mim PD when she disclosed that her weight had dropped to just 40 kilograms, which is approximately 88 pounds. During a professional body composition analysis conducted on the show, a health specialist delivered a stark assessment of her condition, telling her directly that her weight fell significantly below the healthy range for someone of her height. The specialist emphasized that while regular exercise is important for overall fitness, proper nutrition and adequate food intake are equally crucial for maintaining good health.
When questioned about how her extremely low weight affected her ability to perform, Seunghee made a candid admission about the physical challenges she faces on a daily basis. She revealed that she frequently experiences feelings of weakness and episodes of dizziness, symptoms that clearly indicate the toll that severe undernourishment has taken on her body. In response to these health concerns, Seunghee has embarked on what she calls a "get healthy again project" alongside her fellow group members, which focuses on establishing regular eating habits and incorporating balanced workout routines into her schedule.
Seunghee's situation mirrors troubling experiences shared by other prominent figures in the K-pop industry, including solo artist HyunA, who has been equally transparent about her own struggles with extreme weight management during the peak of her career. In a revealing interview on Rain's YouTube show "Season B Season" in May of last year, HyunA provided disturbing details about the lengths she went to maintain an unhealthy weight. She disclosed that she also weighed just 40 kilograms during her most intensive performing periods and would attempt to sustain herself through entire demanding schedules by consuming nothing more than a single piece of gimbap, a traditional Korean rice roll.
HyunA's health struggles became so severe that they began to significantly impact her career and quality of life. She explained that her physical condition started to deteriorate dramatically when she reached the age of 26, describing how her intense desire to deliver outstanding performances was ultimately undermined by her body's inability to function properly under such extreme conditions. The situation became so concerning that her management team was forced to take extraordinary measures to protect her wellbeing.
A former manager who worked closely with HyunA provided additional insight into the severity of her condition during an appearance on MBC's television program "The Manager." The manager revealed that HyunA would frequently lose consciousness while following her restrictive dieting regimen, with these fainting episodes becoming a regular occurrence that posed serious safety risks. The situation became so alarming that the management company was eventually compelled to assign dedicated staff members whose specific responsibility was to monitor HyunA constantly and prevent her from pushing her body beyond its limits.
Fortunately, HyunA has since taken steps to address her health issues and has gained approximately 8 kilograms, bringing her weight to a more sustainable level. She has reported feeling significantly healthier and more energetic since making these changes, demonstrating that recovery from such extreme practices is possible with proper support and commitment to healthier habits.
The intense pressure to maintain unrealistic body standards represents a dark side of the K-pop industry that exists behind the glamorous performances and polished public appearances that fans see. Many performers have publicly acknowledged engaging in crash dieting practices, particularly in the weeks and months leading up to major album releases or comeback performances. These extreme measures often result in a range of serious health consequences, including chronic fatigue, frequent dizziness, and the development of eating disorders that can have long-lasting impacts on both physical and mental health.
As news of Seunghee's and HyunA's experiences continues to spread across social media platforms and online communities, fans have responded with an outpouring of concern and support for the artists. Comment sections and fan forums have been filled with messages urging entertainment agencies and management companies to prioritize the health and wellbeing of their artists over their physical appearance. One representative comment that has been widely shared and echoed across multiple platforms simply stated, "Health comes first," reflecting a sentiment that appears to be gaining momentum among K-pop fans worldwide who are calling for meaningful changes in how the industry treats its performers.
