In the upcoming SBS documentary special “Bodymentary – Confessions About Weight”, airing on December 8, these five iconic female stars, each of whom made their mark in different eras, come together to openly discuss their battles with image corporeal.
What truths did these women, once seen as trendsetters and icons, realize only after hitting rock bottom? As they share numerous episodes related to their appearances, the journey to reclaim their lost selves is explored.
So you said, “My agency set my weight at 48kg. At 168cm tall, the only way to reach that weight was to not eat.” Soyou, who grew up dreaming of becoming a singer while singing in the mandarin fields of Jeju, faced an unexpected barrier despite believing that her singing ability alone would be enough. The harsh standard she followed as a “formula” for idols, called “height minus weight equals 120,” drove her into an obsession with numbers. Reflecting on days spent worrying about whether even an IV could make her gain weight, Soyou recalls her challenging past.
Jun Hyo-seong shared, “When people think of Jun Hyo-seong, they think of his figure… ‘I don’t want to lose this love’ has become my life’s goal.” In her pursuit of a perfect figure, Jun Hyo-seong wore 15cm high heels and tight shapewear to shape her body. Although she was unprepared, she found the idea of losing public love far more painful than the discomfort caused by high heels or constricting undergarments. Reflecting on these days, he reveals the lessons he has learned.
Han Seung-yeon revealed, “When I gained weight, I weighed 46kg. After losing another 4 kg, I fainted.” Han Seung-yeon, known for her “doll” appearance, has become the epitome of girl group beauty and set off a Hallyu wave with the hit song “Mr.” But behind his success lie painful memories. To wear low-waisted pants and crop tops, he couldn’t afford to have even a small bulge. Her obsession with a slim body led her to develop a chronic disease and she stepped up to prevent others from making the same mistake.
Kim Wan-sun continued, “I couldn’t eat much, so my colleagues said, ‘My wish is to see her eat.’” Kim Wan-sun, who made headlines in the late 1980s with his groundbreaking career and helped usher in the era of music video stars, was no exception. Even after a serious car accident, he took the stage only a week later. He admits that he often ate just an ice cream or biscuit before shows and that his weight had once dropped to as low as 30kg.
These women, who once shone the brightest, confess they were also the hungriest during their rise to fame. Back then, not being able to reach a certain weight meant feeling “ashamed” and, despite the passage of time, not much has changed. They all say they are on a journey to find the “self” they lost in the process.
Hwasa said, “There is an unattainable standard of beauty. No matter how much I try, I can’t do it. Hwasa, known for incorporating messages into her songs like “Maria,” “I LOVE MY BODY” and “NA,” seemed to love herself just the way she is. Yet, even she couldn’t escape the rigid beauty standards. Having lost herself in an attempt to lose weight, Hwasa shares the turning point that led her to live life “like Hwasa.”
After revealing their stories, these five women ask the audience one final question: “And you?” The honest confessions of these five stars are ultimately a reflection of all of us. SBS Special’s “Bodymentary – Confessions on ‘Weight'” airs Sunday 8 December at 11.05pm.
Source: Nate
