Many Korean celebrities have fought battles with weight and body image, as they were previously considered “chubby” by Korean beauty standards. Whether through strict diets or intense workout routines, these Korean idols have shared some of the most effective tips that helped them shed the pounds.
We may not always agree with the Korean’s strict body image standard, but we can certainly still pick up some tips from the celebrities who have gone on a transformative journey, if we would like to shed some weight ourselves.
Note: It is best to speak to your family doctor or a dietician if you intend to make a drastic change to your diet or fitness routine. Your weight loss plan should be tailored to your health and fitness level.
Ye Shu Hua – Pilates and a Coach-Approved Meal Plan
Source: yeh.shaa_
(G)I-DLE’s Ye Shu Hua is known for her fierce personality and straightforward attitude, but she’s faced her share of body-shaming. At one point, she was criticised by netizens for gaining weight during a break from promotions, with people saying, “How can she be an idol looking like that?”
However, Shu Hua made a stunning comeback with a toned figure in her music video for Klaxon, showing that she had worked hard to lose weight. She credits Pilates for helping her achieve her curves, while avoiding fried foods and soups.
Her coach also provided her with a meal plan that worked wonders:
Breakfast: An apple and low-fat yogurt
Lunch: Brown rice with various side dishes like kimchi and beans
Dinner: A steamed sweet potato and chicken breast
Kang So Ra – Three Regular Meals a Day
Source: @kangsoramy/@reveramess_
Kang So Ra, the South Korean actress, gained fame for her impeccable acting skills and svelte figure in various shows such as Doctor Stranger, Sunny, and more.
However, she hasn’t always sported the slim figure we see today; back in high school, she weighed 72kg and dedicated a full year to her weight loss journey. Instead of following strict diets like many other stars, Kang So Ra focused on consuming healthy, fibre-rich foods packed with protein while steering clear of late-night snacks.
Her routine includes cycling, swimming, and ballet to maintain her shape, proving that a balanced approach can lead to lasting results.
Park Ji-hyo – 20:4 Fasting Diet
Source: Reddit/@_zyozyo
Twice’s leader Ji-hyo, known for her curvier figure, didn’t always have the hourglass shape fans admire today. Before her debut, she struggled with hormonal imbalances and a wider frame, which made her look noticeably different from her group members.
Jihyo turned to the 20:4 fasting method to drop 17kg in just three months, transforming her body from a size L to a size S.
The 20:4 fasting diet involves eating only during a four-hour window each day and fasting for the remaining 20 hours. During her eating period, Ji-hyo indulged in her favourite foods, like tteokbokki and ramen, until she felt full.
While this diet worked for her, it might not be effective for everyone. So, be mindful of the type of fasting methods you try.
In a Reddit comment,a fan shared their thoughts on how Park Ji Yo looked during her chubbier days. “I think that this era of Jihyo is the best. She is more natural and makes one happy just by looking at her. Current Jihyo (Talk That Talk era) is also really cool and probably more energetic on stage, but this Jihyo hits different. Chubby cheeks, gleeful, cute.”
Yoon Eun-hye – Homemade Carrot Apple Juice
Source: X.com/ y1003_grace
Yoon Eun-hye, the idol-turned-actress famous for her roles in K-dramas like Coffee Prince, is also admired for her dedication to achieving a healthy weight. In her YouTube channel, she shares a plethora of dieting tips and nutritious, tasty meals, aiding her to lose weight.
Every morning, she kicks off her day by taking powdered probiotics on an empty stomach and chugging down a good amount of water. Next, she whips up a healthy homemade juice using carrots and apples.
She starts by giving a regular-sized carrot a good scrub, keeping the skin on, and chopping it into smaller bits to boil in water. Then, she tosses a chopped apple into the blender along with the boiled carrots and about 500ml of water.
Yoon Eun-hye mentions that drinking this juice on an empty stomach can help with digestion and even flatten the stomach. However, she warns against having citrus juices first thing in the morning, as they might irritate the stomach lining when there’s no food in there.
Bae Suzy – Completes Her Meal Before 6pm
Source: Beautynesia/@ skuukzky
Bae Suzy adheres to a simple but effective rule–she avoids eating or snacking after 6pm to give her body ample time for digestion.
This habit helps her maintain a healthy routine, as she believes it plays a key role in her overall well-being.
Additionally, she’s also known for her unique “penguin-like” exercise routine. This quirky workout involves swinging her arms back and forth, mimicking the movement of a penguin.
It’s a simple yet effective method she swears by for targeting arm fat, helping to tone and firm the arms over time. This easy exercise can be done anywhere, making it a go-to for those looking to incorporate quick fat-burning moves into their daily routine.
