K-pop idols make performing onstage appear effortless. Yet behind their immaculate moves and ethereal glow is a commitment to prioritise healthy living. These celebs work hard to maintain their physique, sustain high energy levels for back-to-back gigs, and achieve mind-body wellness. Sounds like a tough job after all!
Read on to learn the habits of six Korean idols who embrace healthy lives. Heed their advice so you, too, can one day look and feel as great as they do.
1. V’s “Special” Habit
When it comes to healthy living, most people think of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. But for Kim Tae-hyung, more popularly known as V, total health extends beyond what you eat. In a livestream video on K-pop website OMFOO, V shared his special food habit, advising viewers to “just enjoy the experience and think happy thoughts.”
So, instead of counting calories on your next meal, manifest some good vibes! Additionally, V emphasised the importance of exercise. He suggested finding an enjoyable physical activity, like a sport, and sticking with it until you see the results.
2. Bae Suzy’s High-Protein Diet
Bae Su-ji, a.k.a. Bae Suzy, is a Korean actress, singer, and former member of the girl group Miss A. Recognised as one of the healthiest K-pop idols, Suzy credits her tip-top shape to a high-protein, low-carb diet.
The South China Morning Post revealed her meal plan during one episode of Follow Me. The actress opts for chicken breast, sweet potato, and a cup of low-fat milk for breakfast; brown rice and salad for lunch; and two sweet potatoes for dinner.
Besides eating a high-protein diet, Suzy incorporates physical activity into her healthy living routine. To keep from getting bored, she alternates between jogging and hula-hooping. But her most famous workout is what she refers to as the “penguin exercise.” During an appearance on SBS’ One Night with TV Entertainment, the K-pop health buff said she lost weight by imitating a penguin flapping its wings.
In a video on the K-pop YouTube channel, HANBAM, Suzy even defended her penguin dance in response to her friends calling her workout weird: “I taught [the penguin exercise] to my sisters, and they said it was really effective!”
3. Jennie’s No-Salt Life
Everyone loves a well-seasoned dish. But for BLACKPINK’s Jennie, salt is a hard pass. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, she revealed her no-salt approach to eating: “Even when other Blackpink members are eating something delicious, I just eat porridge since I’m on a no-salt diet.”
4. IU’s Transition to Healthy Eating
K-pop singer IU rocked the diet fad boat with the “IU diet challenge.” Her meal plan consisted of an apple for breakfast, two sweet potatoes for lunch, and a protein shake for dinner. Despite its popularity, the Korean singing sensation found her diet too extreme. Later, she disclosed her battle with an eating disorder, sharing her journey to recovery by seeking treatment and adopting healthy, body-positive habits.
You might ask, what is the secret to healthy eating? It might not involve following your favourite idol’s extreme diet plan. On the contrary, the Journal of Ethnic Foods suggested embracing a K-diet rich in vegetables, fibre and grains, legumes, and fish but low in calories, red meat, and animal fat.
Looking to spice up your diet? Indulge in more kimchi! A Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition study revealed that fermented foods can help boost gut health and provide antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic benefits.
5. Han Go Eun’s Active Lifestyle
In an interview with Korean entertainment website Allkpop, Korean actress Han Go-eun shared her secret to healthy living. “You have to exercise with being healthy as the goal. When trying to lose weight, you need to set aside about six months and change your lifestyle. Rather than doing yoga or fitness, I try to move around a lot daily. [For example], I like to mop the living room floor,” the K-drama actress suggested.
Besides eating healthy, regular physical activity is what keeps K-idols in shape. Can’t seem to find the time to work out? Try walking or biking to your office. And let your household chores double as exercise! With all that heavy lifting of clothes hampers, laundry day can be arm day, too.
6. Seoulhyun’s Secret Confidence Boost
Besides eating the right food and getting enough exercise, former AOA member Kim Seol-hyun, a.k.a. Seolhyun, pays attention to her posture. According to the K-pop website Koreaboo, she believes that standing tall is crucial for boosting her confidence. Besides adding height and accentuating curves, maintaining an upright posture helps keep her balance while performing.
Indeed, healthy living isn’t just about eating right and exercising. It’s about improving your overall lifestyle and having a mindset for wellness. Additionally, it involves addressing problem areas or specific conditions you’ve been neglecting.
Schedule a long overdue salon appointment to give your damaged hair some love. Visit your eye doctor to see if you need your glasses replaced. And see your dentist to treat your crooked or overcrowded teeth stat. Inquire about aligner therapy with ClearCorrect so you can flash a healthy, confident smile all the time!
Remember: Healthy living is a state of mind. When you strive for goals that go beyond looks, you achieve lasting benefits to your health. Total wellness is a gift you deserve, so receive it with arms wide open. Finally, heed K-pop idol V’s advice: “Just focus on what you’re doing and love yourself.”
References:
Choi, S. (2023). A journey to explore the health properties of traditional Korean diet: a commentary. Journal of Ethnic Foods, 10(1).
Gammone, M. A., Riccioni, G., Parrinello, G., & D’Orazio, N. (2018). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: benefits and endpoints in sport. Nutrients, 11(1), 46.
HANBAM. (2020, January 20). (ENG SUB)수지SUJI 펭귄운동으로 몸매관리! 10분 세안법으로 피부관리하던 시절!! [Video].
Kim, D. (2023, April 1). K-Pop Idol Diet: Ways You Can Adopt an idol figure. OMFOO.
Koreaboo. (2018, March 10). The Real Reason Why Seolhyun Has A Good Body – Koreaboo.
Mssylee. (2015, February 10). Han Go Eun gives advice on how to maintain a slim figure like hers | allkpop. Allkpop.
Rin, C. H., & Rin, C. H. (2021, April 14). K-pop diets: how Blackpink’s Jennie, BTS’ V and IU stay in shape – from ‘not stressing’ to avoiding salt and Bae Suzy’s ‘penguin dance.’ South China Morning Post.
Şanlier, N., Gökcen, B. B., & Sezgin, A. C. (2019). Health benefits of fermented foods. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 59(3), 506–527.
Singson, Y. (2021, October 28). BLACKPINK Shares Their Diets And Go-To Workouts. COSMO.PH.
