The Dark Reality of K-pop Beauty Standards
K-pop beauty standards have caused severe damage to numerous female idols’ physical and mental health. The upcoming SBS documentary “Bodymentary—Confessions About Weight” reveals shocking stories from industry veterans. SISTAR’s Soyou and KARA’s Seungyeon, along with other prominent artists, bravely share their traumatic experiences with extreme weight restrictions. Their stories highlight a disturbing pattern of harmful practices that have long plagued the K-pop industry.
SISTAR Soyou’s Weight Battle
Soyou’s journey from a carefree childhood in Jeju’s tangerine fields to stardom came with a heavy price. Her agency demanded she maintain 48 kg despite her 168 cm height, following an arbitrary industry formula where the difference between height and weight had to be 120. The pressure was so intense that she feared even medical treatment might affect her weight. Her powerful vocals took a backseat to meeting impossible body measurements.
The constant focus on weight affected Soyou’s mental health significantly. She developed a distorted body image, describing feelings of disgust when looking at herself after gaining weight. The obsession with numbers became so severe that she worried about the weight impact of necessary medical treatments like IV drips.
KARA Seungyeon’s Health Crisis
Once celebrated for her “doll-like” appearance, Seungyeon’s pursuit of perfection led to devastating consequences. She stopped eating completely to achieve the desired flat stomach for performances, particularly during promotions for their hit song “Mr.” The extreme dieting resulted in fainting spells and chronic health issues. At her lowest point, she weighed just 42 kg, a dangerous weight that led to her collapse.
Seungyeon’s story represents a common struggle in the industry. The pressure to maintain an unrealistic figure while performing intense dance routines and maintaining a busy schedule created a perfect storm for health problems. Her experience with low-rise pants and crop tops highlights how specific fashion trends in K-pop can drive dangerous dietary practices.
Breaking the Silence on Beauty Standards
The documentary features other prominent artists like Kim Wan Sun, Hyosung, and MAMAMOO’s Hwasa, each sharing their personal battles with industry pressure. These brave performers are now speaking out against toxic industry practices that prioritize appearance over health. Their collective voice represents a growing movement to challenge and change these harmful standards.
The timing of this documentary is crucial as it coincides with increasing global awareness about mental health and body positivity. By sharing their stories, these artists hope to protect future generations of performers from similar experiences. The documentary, airing December 8, promises to spark important conversations about idol health and well-being in the K-pop industry.
Looking Forward: The Need for Change
The stories shared in “Bodymentary—Confessions About Weight” highlight the urgent need for industry reform. These experiences aren’t isolated incidents but rather symptoms of a systemic problem within K-pop culture. The documentary serves as a wake-up call for entertainment companies, fans, and society at large to reconsider their expectations of female idols.
As the K-pop industry continues to grow globally, it’s crucial to address these harmful practices. The courage shown by Soyou, Seungyeon, and others in sharing their stories may help pave the way for positive change in the industry. Their testimonies could inspire new guidelines and regulations to protect performers’ physical and mental health.
What are your thoughts on these harmful beauty standards in K-pop? Share your views in the comments below, Seoul Crushers!
