In the upcoming SBS Special documentary “Bodymentary – Confessions About Weight,” airing on December 8, these five iconic female stars, who each made their mark in different eras, come together to openly discuss their battles with body image.
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 of reclaiming their lost selves is explored.
Soyou said, “My agency set my weight at 48kg. With a height of 168cm, the only way to achieve that weight was by not eating.” Soyou, who grew up dreaming of becoming a singer while singing in Jeju’s tangerine fields, faced an unexpected barrier despite believing that her singing ability alone would be enough. The harsh standard that followed her like a “formula” for idols, called “height minus weight equals 120,” pushed her into an obsession with numbers. Reflecting on days spent worrying whether even an IV drip would make her weight increase, Soyou recalls her challenging past.
Jun Hyo-seong shared, “When people think of Jun Hyo-seong, they think of her figure… ‘I don’t want to lose this love’ became 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. Despite being flat-footed, she found the idea of losing public love far more painful than the discomfort from high heels or constrictive undergarments. Reflecting on these days, she reveals the lessons she learned.
Han Seung-yeon revealed, “When I gained weight, I was 46kg. After losing another 4kg, I passed out.” Han Seung-yeon, known for her “doll-like” appearance, became the epitome of girl group beauty and sparked a Hallyu wave with the hit song “Mr.” But behind her success lay painful memories. To wear low-rise pants and short tops, she could not afford to have even a small bulge. Her obsession with a slim body led her to develop a chronic illness, and she came forward to prevent others from making the same mistake.
Kim Wan-sun continued, “I couldn’t eat much, so my colleagues would say, ‘My wish is to see her eat.’” Kim Wan-sun, who set off a sensation in the late 80s with her groundbreaking career and helped usher in the era of music video stars, was no exception. Even after a major car accident, she went on stage just a week later. She admits that she would often eat only an ice cream or biscuit before performances, and her weight once dropped to the 30kg range.
These women, who once shone the brightest, confess they were also the hungriest during their rise to fame. Back then, failing to achieve a certain weight meant experiencing “shame,” and despite time passing, 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 unreachable standard of beauty. No matter how hard I try, I can’t meet it.” Hwasa, known for embedding messages in her songs like “Maria,” “I LOVE MY BODY,” and “NA,” seemed to love herself as she is. Yet, even she couldn’t escape the rigid beauty standards. Having lost herself in the process of forcing herself to lose weight, Hwasa shares the turning point that led her to live life “as Hwasa.”
After revealing their stories, these five women pose one final question to the audience: “How about you?” The honest confessions of these five stars are ultimately a reflection of all of us. SBS Special’s “Bodymentary – Confessions About ‘Weight’” airs on Sunday, December 8, at 11:05 PM.
Source: Nate
