Many Korean celebrities have faced challenges with weight and body image, often being labelled “chubby” by Korean beauty standards. Through strict diets or intense workout routines, these idols have revealed some of their best tips for losing weight.
While the pressure to meet Korea’s strict beauty standards might not sit well with everyone, there’s still a lot we can learn from these stars’ transformation journeys if we’re looking to slim down.
Disclaimer: Before making any big changes to your diet or fitness routine, it’s always wise to check in with your doctor or a dietitian. A weight loss plan should be personalised to suit your unique health and fitness needs.
Kang So Ra: 3 Regular Meals a Day
Source: @kangsoramy/@reveramess_
Kang So Ra, the talented South Korean actress, is well-known for her outstanding acting abilities and her slender physique, showcased in popular series like Doctor Stranger and Sunny, among others.
Interestingly, she didn’t always have the slim figure we admire today. During her high school years, she weighed 72kg and committed an entire year to transforming her health.
Rather than resorting to strict diets like many celebrities, Kang So Ra opted for a diet rich in healthy, fibre-rich foods and protein while avoiding late-night snacking.
To keep fit, she incorporates activities like cycling, swimming, and ballet into her routine, demonstrating that a balanced lifestyle can yield sustainable results.
Yoon Eun-hye: Homemade Carrot Apple Juice
Source: X.com/ y1003_grace
Yoon Eun-hye, the talented idol-turned-actress known for her roles in popular K-dramas like Coffee Prince, is also celebrated for her commitment to maintaining a healthy weight.
On her YouTube channel, she offers a wealth of dieting advice and shares delicious, nutritious recipes that have helped her in her weight loss journey.
Each morning, she begins her day by taking powdered probiotics on an empty stomach and drinking plenty of water. After that, she prepares a refreshing homemade juice using carrots and apples.
To make the juice, she starts by thoroughly washing a regular-sized carrot, leaving the skin on, and chopping it into smaller pieces to boil in water. Then, she adds a chopped apple to the blender along with the boiled carrots and about 500ml of water.
Yoon Eun-hye notes that consuming this juice on an empty stomach can aid digestion and may even help flatten the stomach.
However, she advises against drinking citrus juices first thing in the morning, as they can irritate the stomach lining when it’s empty.
Park Ji-hyo: 20:4 Fasting Diet
Source: Reddit/@_zyozyo
Leader of Twice, Ji-hyo, known for her curvier figure, didn’t always have the hourglass shape that fans admire today. Before her debut, Ji-hyo dealt with hormonal imbalances and a wider frame, making her stand out compared to her group members.
To shed 17kg in just three months, she followed the 20:4 fasting method, going from a size L to a size S. This diet involves eating only within a four-hour window each day and fasting for the remaining 20 hours.
During her eating period, Ji-hyo enjoyed her favourite foods, like tteokbokki and ramen, until she was satisfied. While this approach worked for her, it’s important to remember that not all fasting methods are suitable for everyone.
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.”
Bae Suzy: Completes Her Meal Before 6pm
Source: Beautynesia/@ skuukzky
Bae Suzy sticks to a straightforward yet effective rule—she avoids eating or snacking after 6pm to allow her body plenty of time to digest. This habit helps her keep a healthy routine, as she believes it’s a major factor in her overall well-being.
She’s also known for her fun and unique “penguin-like” exercise routine. This quirky workout involves swinging her arms back and forth, just like a penguin.
It’s a simple but effective way she swears by to reduce arm fat, helping to tone and firm her arms over time. It’s an easy workout routine that can be done anywhere, making it a go-to for those looking to incorporate quick fat-burning moves into their daily routine.
Ye Shu Hua: Pilates and a Coach-Approved Meal Plan
Source: yeh.shaa_
(G)I-DLE’s Ye Shu Hua is known for her bold personality and no-nonsense attitude, but she’s dealt with her fair share of body-shaming. During a break from promotions, she faced criticism for gaining weight, with some netizens asking, “How can she be an idol looking like that?”
Shu Hua silenced the critics with a stunning transformation, showing off a toned figure in her music video for Klaxon. She credits Pilates for helping her shape her curves and made changes to her diet by steering clear of fried foods and soups.
Her coach also gave her a meal plan that worked wonders for her transformation.
Breakfast: An apple and low-fat yoghurt
Lunch: Brown rice with various side dishes like kimchi and beans
Dinner: A steamed sweet potato and chicken breast
