K-Pop idols often face extreme pressure to meet high beauty standards. This leads many to try dangerous diets. The entertainment industry’s focus on appearance can be harmful to young stars. Here are 5 K-Pop idols who’ve gone through extreme diets we don’t recommend:
1. Xiumin (EXO)
Xiumin faced harsh criticism about his weight after his debut. This led to yo-yo dieting, which is unhealthy for the body. During “Growl” promotions in 2013, he tried the coffee diet. He ate one meal every other day and drank lots of coffee. This helped him lose weight quickly, but at a cost. The lack of proper nutrition could have serious health consequences. Xiumin now advises against skipping meals to lose weight. He encourages fans to eat regularly and stay healthy.
2. T.O.P (formerly of BIGBANG)
T.O.P struggled with weight due to pressure from YG Entertainment. As a trainee, he was told to reach an “ideal weight” before debuting. This kind of demand can be damaging to a young person’s self-esteem. He started a dangerous diet of unsweetened jelly and mineral water. He sometimes ate red beans as a snack.
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This diet lacked essential nutrients. T.O.P also worked out excessively every day, which can lead to injury. While he reached his goal, it wasn’t a healthy way to do it. Such extreme measures can have long-lasting effects on metabolism and overall health.
3. Momo (TWICE)
Before her debut, JYP Entertainment told Momo to lose 15 pounds in a week. This is an unrealistic and unhealthy goal that no one should attempt. Momo ate only ice cubes and spent all her time at the gym. She feared for her life and became severely dehydrated. Even after a week, she didn’t reach the goal. Her members worried she might faint. This shows how dangerous rapid weight loss can be. Thankfully, Momo now maintains a healthy weight and looks great. Her story highlights the need for better support systems in the industry.
4. Jimin (BTS)
Jimin revealed he lost a lot of weight through over-exercising and a dangerous diet. During the “Blood Sweat & Tears” era, he ate only one meal in 10 days. This extreme restriction caused him to pass out during practice. Jimin explained he didn’t like his “chubby” appearance, showing how body image issues affect male idols too. His members tried to get him to eat, but he refused. This kind of behavior can lead to eating disorders. Luckily, Jimin hasn’t tried such an extreme diet since then. His experience shows the importance of promoting healthy body images in K-Pop.
5. IU
IU shared a dangerous diet that some fans tried to copy. At 15, someone called her a pig during her solo debut. This hurt her deeply and shows how cruel comments can impact young stars. She started the “MyProAna” diet, which promotes unhealthy eating habits. IU ate an apple for breakfast, sweet potatoes for lunch, and a protein shake for dinner. This diet lacks essential nutrients and can cause weakness and fainting. It’s particularly dangerous for growing teenagers. Fortunately, IU stopped this diet and now eats healthily. Her story emphasizes the need for better education about nutrition in the industry.
Remember, these extreme diets are dangerous and shouldn’t be copied. They can lead to serious health problems and eating disorders. There are safer ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s important for fans to support their favorite idols’ health rather than unrealistic beauty standards. The K-Pop industry needs to prioritize the well-being of its stars over appearance. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and positive body image should be promoted instead of extreme diets.