A new SBS documentary, "Bodymentary," has shed light on the dark side of K-pop, exposing the immense pressure female idols face to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Airing on December 29th, the documentary features candid interviews with prominent figures in the industry, from veteran singer Kim Wan-sun to Mamamoo's Hwasa, revealing the physical and emotional toll of extreme dieting.
The documentary unveils the harrowing experiences of these idols, who have long endured grueling weight loss regimes in pursuit of an "ideal" image. Soyou, formerly of the popular girl group Sistar, recounted collapsing from sudden weight loss and being rushed to the emergency room during her trainee days. The constant pressure to maintain a specific weight, often dictated by the cruel "height minus 120" formula, led to severe anxiety and panic disorder.
Jeon Hyo-sung of the girl group Secret shared her struggles with binge eating and intense fasting, driven by the fear of not fulfilling her "professional duties" by maintaining a certain weight. Even Hwasa, known for challenging conventional beauty standards, revealed the backlash she received during her debut, including a petition from fans demanding her removal from Mamamoo due to her appearance. The pressure led her to extreme measures, including self-induced vomiting after eating a single rice cake, ultimately contributing to anorexia and depression.
Hwasa opens up about her diet struggles in upcoming SBS show
— HWASA 화사 (@ahnmariahwasa) November 26, 2024
"I'm sick of it, really... I took medicine and lost all my thighs. It felt like my unique charm just disappeared... Guilt, anger. all the emotions came rushing back." pic.twitter.com/HB0jevSIpi
Han Seung-yeon of Kara detailed the extreme lengths she went to for the group's "Mister" promotions, where their revealing stage outfits demanded an ultra-thin physique. She severely restricted her water intake for months, leading to fainting spells and long-term health issues, including a mysterious rash and patulous eustachian tube syndrome, a rare condition caused by excessive weight loss.
"Bodymentary" serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the K-pop industry's obsession with appearance. By bravely sharing their stories, these idols are sparking a crucial conversation about the need for change and greater support for artists' well-being. The documentary highlights the urgent need to challenge unrealistic beauty standards and prioritize the physical and mental health of K-pop idols.
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