In an ever-evolving industry like K-pop, having a beautiful, bright appearance is essential to scoring points with the public. South Korea’s beauty standards, known for their stringent selection, have become an obsession for idols who are chubbier and more full-figured than the average. Here are five notable figures in the Korean music scene who have undergone successful but extremely harsh and grueling transformations, which fans should not try to emulate.
Xiumin (EXO)
Not just female idols, male idols are also targets of the public’s critical gaze when it comes to non-standard appearances. Xiumin received heavy criticism for his weight during the early stages of his career, forcing him to embark on an unhealthy weight loss journey.
Throughout the promotion for the hit song “Growl” in 2013, the EXO member chose one of the most extreme diets: coffee. This diet consisted of just one meal a day and drinking lots of coffee to suppress hunger. After that period, Xiumin regained a healthy weight and body condition, which he has maintained to this day.
T.O.P
T.O.P struggled with his appearance, as he was heavier than the idol standard during his trainee period at YG. To debut as scheduled, the former BIGBANG member undertook a dangerous diet, consisting of only sugar-free jelly, water, and red beans. Moreover, he had to work out diligently every day despite the minimal food intake. Although the results were rewarding, this horrifying diet is by no means encouraged.
Momo (TWICE)
Few would guess that behind Momo’s healthy, toned image is the result of one of K-pop’s most extreme diets. A week before debuting with TWICE, Momo was required to lose… 7 kg, a nearly impossible task. During that short period, the female idol only ate ice cubes while still exercising diligently. Fortunately, she was given an additional three days as her weight still hadn’t met expectations.
Jimin (BTS)
During the “Blood, Sweat & Tears” promotion, Jimin lost a significant amount of weight thanks to a rigorous training schedule and a one-meal-a-day diet (lasting for 10 days). Even when other members invited Jimin to eat, he resolutely refused to stay committed to his weight loss goal.
IU
After being body-shamed at 15 during her debut stage, IU decided to follow the MyProAna diet, which included one apple for breakfast, one or two sweet potatoes for lunch, and a protein shake for dinner. The side effects of this diet included body weakness, fainting, and poor health. After some time, IU gave up this harsh weight loss routine and turned to experts to help her eat healthily and scientifically.
Source: K14
