37kg Weight Loss: Pungja's (풍자) 'Half Face' Stuns the Public
Broadcaster Pungja (풍자) is making headlines after successfully losing 37kg and revealing a dramatically transformed appearance. Photos posted on her social media on the 22nd have captured public attention and garnered an enthusiastic response, showcasing a noticeably sharper look compared to her past self.
A 1 Year, 5 Month Journey: A New Visual Achieved with 37kg Weight Loss
Pungja revealed that she lost a total of 37kg over approximately 1 year and 5 months, starting her diet in February of last year (Star News, 2026.10.23). On the 22nd, Pungja shared several photos with acquaintances on her social media, unveiling her significantly changed current look (Sports Chosun, 2026.10.22). In the shared photos, Pungja sported a beige knit top and long, straight hair, showcasing a slimmer face, a sharp jawline, and more defined features (Wikitree, 2026.10.23). Her calm and innocent aura, a stark contrast to her previous warm and cheerful image, immediately caught the eye (Star News, 2026.10.23).
"Where is Pungja?" "She's a completely different person." "She looks like an actress."
Netizen reactions via Sports Chosun, Wikitree, and more
Netizens couldn't hide their surprise, reacting with comments like, "Is that really Pungja?", "I can't even recognize her," and "She lost so much, it's incredible" (Star News, 2026.10.23). Some even expressed their astonishment with playful remarks such as, "It must be AI," and "The elephant is gone" (Wikitree, 2026.10.23).
https://www.sportschosun.com/entertainment/2026-10-22/202610220100143830009352, https://www.starnewskorea.com/star/2026/10/23/2026102315224194812, https://www.wikitree.co.kr/articles/1168643, https://www.chosun.com/entertainments/broadcast/2026/10/22/MU2TCNZVGU4GMNJRHE3GKNLFGM/Pungja's Diet Journey: From Obesity Treatment to Kickboxing
In the early stages of her diet, Pungja saw rapid results with the help of obesity treatment injections, losing 7-10kg in just one month. However, she stopped due to side effects (Star News, 2026.10.23; Wikitree, 2026.10.23). Afterward, she continued to lose weight by combining exercise and diet management. Her strong determination was evident when she revealed that during a diet plateau, she even abstained from water for two days to focus on weight loss (Sports Chosun, 2026.10.22; Wikitree, 2026.10.23). More recently, she's fallen in love with kickboxing, humorously remarking that everyone at the gym knows she's arrived when they hear a loud impact sound (Wikitree, 2026.10.23).
During this process, advice from model Han Hye-jin (한혜진) also had a significant impact. Pungja confessed that when she previously lost 7kg, Han Hye-jin sharply asked, "Is that even losing weight?" This comment fueled her determination, leading her to commit even more to her diet and exercise (Maeil Business Newspaper, 2026.10.23). Pungja even named Han Hye-jin as her diet goal, stating, "My first quest is to catch up to Um Jiyoon (엄지윤), and then I'll catch up to Han Hye-jin" (Star News, 2026.10.21).
Meanwhile, despite her 37kg weight loss, a humorous anecdote involving her father also became a hot topic. When Pungja sent him a selfie, her father asked, "Is your face swollen?" to which Pungja replied, "No, I just gained weight from eating," drawing laughter (Maeil Business Newspaper, 2026.10.23).
Health Improvement and Determination to Overcome Yo-Yo Effect
Before her diet, Pungja had been diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, high cholesterol levels, and signs of fatty liver. She revealed that after losing 33kg, all these indicators returned to normal, proving a significant improvement in her health (Wikitree, 2026.10.23). She also added to the surprise by sharing that she used to wear 4XL size clothes but now wears XL (Wikitree, 2026.10.23).
Pungja also candidly expressed her fear of the yo-yo effect (weight regain). She recalled an experience of gaining 6kg after a family trip, stating, "The 33kg I worked so hard to lose can come back in just 40 days." While some subscribers miss her old appearance and comment that she "lost her original intention," Pungja revealed that these reactions actually motivate her to continue her diet (Wikitree, 2026.10.23).
Anticipation Grows for Activities with Her New Look
Pungja's dramatically changed appearance is seen as the result of her consistent effort and strong will. Pungja, who gained public recognition through the web variety show 'Ttoganjip' (또간집) and was active in various entertainment programs like MBC's 'Sechihyeo' (세치혀), even winning the 2023 MBC Entertainment Awards Best New Female Artist (Wikitree, 2026.10.23). With her return in a healthier and more beautiful form, anticipation is building for what activities she will captivate the public with next.
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