For k-pop idols and k-drama stars staying thin is an important part of breaking into the business or maintaining their image. Most k-celebs are on some kind of diet. Many don't eat anything after 7 p.m. and most work out on a regular basis. But the desire to stay thin can occasionally cause problems in an actor or singer's life.
Recently singer and actress IU confessed that she once battled bulimia. She felt pressured to look her best before her debut and the anxiety led her to develop an eating disorder.
On "Healing Camp," she explained that her feelings of anxiety prompted her to eat and then her anxity about looking good prompted her to throw up.
"I filled the void through food," she said. "But rather than feeling good I always had that feeling of anxiety that led me to think there was something lacking in me. At that time, I ate until I threw up and I even sought treatment."
The "Pretty Man" actress normally weighs less than 100 pounds and is 5 ft. 3-inches tall. But she also admitted that when prepared for that role she ate only one apple, one sweet potato and a protein drink a day for four days.
On episode of "Strong Heart,' she said that people were concerned.
"My bones are thin, so they can appear thin even when I have some meat on my bones," she said. "I lost a lot of weight suddenly and so people are saying that I look like I am starved and that I look like an elementary school student."
Seo In Guk is another actor that has confessed to struggling with bulimia. When he was first trying to get noticed, he was repeatedly rejected and told to lose weight. The way he went about it was unfortunately to throw up everything he ate. But that plan backfired as the vomiting damaged his vocal cords. He learned healthier ways to stay thin and by the time he had a supporting role in "The Master's Sun," his tall frame was pared down. He went on a strict diet plan before appearing in the swimming film "No Breathing. "
He shared the plan that helped him lose 24 pounds on the show "Happy Together saying that when he started training he weighed around 170 pounds.
"In the morning I had an apple, my lunch was a simple vegetable salad, and in the evening I had some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and tofu. After following this routine for six months, I was lighter than ever before. I got down to 143 pounds."
That's still on the thin side for a 5 ft. 11-inch frame.
Hopefully their success will help these stars feel confident enough to eat healthy and never be so desperate that they resort to unhealthy eating practices.
