(A/N: I wrote this in one of my other books but I felt like it was a serious enough topic to put it here. This is definitely a conversation we need to have as a fandom. About how we support our idols and what we can do as fans to change the toxicity in the kpop industry, especially around body image and physical appearances.)
This is actually kind of serious. Some netizens have been posting pictures of Dohyon, Dongpyo, Eunsang, and Junho before their debut pointing out how much weight they loss since training.
Eunsang
Dohyon
Dongpyo
Junho
Don't get me wrong I'm all for wanting to stay fit and healthy. Especially if you're an idol, you want to look good for music videos and comebacks and such.But what concerns me is that these trainees (Eunsang, Junho, Dongpyo, and Dohyon) may and can be pushed too far. I've seen a lot of articles talking about how idols eat one meal a day while undergoing rigorous training. So I believe it's not too far fetched that their cases might apply.
Besides the bad image that sends to fans, that you need to lose weight in order to be "attractive" or eating extremely small amounts of food to lose weight is healthy, it can seriously affect the members themselves.
If they feel good about their weight and are not being forced to do some unhealthy diet, then everything's fine. But if that's not the case, we as fans need to stick up for them.
I understand that in South Korea, and the kpop industry as a whole, image means a lot, especially to idols, but health should come first.
Honestly, I'm surprised more people aren't talking about this.
We can't allow our favorite idols to think that unhealthy diets and work out routines are a necessity. They're talented regardless.
And we love them regardless.
I hope you guys agree with me on this.