“Isn’t health the most important thing?” This is a concern frequently voiced within Taiwan’s PTT community regarding TWICE (트와이스) Jeongyeon’s (정연) rapid weight change. On the flip side, some K-Pop fan communities in Korea are showering her with support and praise, hailing it as “the result of hard work.” This stark difference in fan sentiment surrounding an idol’s physical transformation goes beyond a simple clash of opinions; it clearly highlights the cultural differences in how K-Pop idols are viewed.
TWICE’s Jeongyeon experienced a rapid weight gain in 2020 while taking steroid medication for a herniated disc in her neck. Since then, she has consistently focused on managing her health, recently drawing attention for her noticeably slimmer appearance. Photos of Jeongyeon’s 'dramatic weight loss,' which spread across social media platforms like TikTok, sparked a heated debate among fans both in Korea and internationally.
Sentiment Analysis: Jeongyeon’s Weight Change Across 3 Communities
An analysis of online community reactions to Jeongyeon’s weight change revealed a clear difference in sentiment between domestic (Korean) and international fandoms. Korean communities with strong K-Pop fandom leanings showed predominantly positive reactions, while communities with a more general and critical perspective displayed a mix of concern and fatigue.
[Support Camp] “Her Self-Management is Amazing!” — TheQoo (80/100)
On TheQoo (더쿠), a leading K-Pop fan community in Korea, positive reactions to Jeongyeon’s weight loss were overwhelming. Comments primarily praised her efforts to show a perfect image ahead of her comeback.
“She must have dieted so intensely… her professionalism is incredible.” (TheQoo)
“Jeongyeon’s visuals were always like this! She’s finally back, so pretty.” (TheQoo)
“It’s great to see her managing her health well. Looking forward to this comeback!” (TheQoo)
These fans interpreted Jeongyeon’s transformation as a symbol of ‘self-management’ and ‘professionalism,’ tending to focus on her visual achievement. They positively evaluated the change as aligning with the ‘perfect image’ expected of idols.
[Concern Camp] “Health is the Top Priority” — PTT (Taiwan) (55/100)
On PTT, primarily used by Taiwanese netizens, strong concerns were raised about Jeongyeon’s rapid weight loss. According to a Kpopdays report, most netizens first brought up health issues and emphasized the agency’s role.
“Health is the most important thing. She’s too thin, it’s heartbreaking.” (PTT)
“Shouldn’t the company pay more attention? I’m worried it might affect her activities.” (PTT)
“How much did external criticism hurt her to lose so much weight… it’s sad.” (PTT)
PTT users remembered Jeongyeon’s past hiatus due to health issues and strongly worried that an excessive diet could lead to a decline in her health. This reflects a cultural perspective that emphasizes the importance of an idol’s ‘right to health’ and ‘the agency’s responsibility.’
[Fatigue Camp] “She Lost Weight Again…” — Nate Pann (40/100)
On Nate Pann (네이트판), a popular Korean online community, a sense of fatigue regarding Jeongyeon’s transformation was evident, along with a critical view of the obsession with idols’ appearances. Skepticism about a ‘repeated pattern’ dominated, rather than positive evaluations.
“How many times has she dieted now… isn’t it more important to promote healthily?” (Nate Pann)
“Honestly, she’s too thin, it doesn’t look good. I preferred her previous look.” (Nate Pann)
“Idols aren’t weight-loss machines… how long will they only be judged by their looks?” (Nate Pann)
Nate Pann’s reactions were a mix of criticism towards the reality of idols’ appearances constantly being subject to public evaluation, and voices emphasizing that health and happiness should be prioritized. This reveals the public’s complex perspective on the unrealistic beauty standards demanded of idols.
The ‘Sentiment Gap’ Created by Cultural Perspectives
The community-specific reactions to Jeongyeon’s weight change clearly illustrate the cultural differences in how idols are viewed. K-Pop fandom-centric communities like TheQoo place a high value on an idol’s ‘visuals’ and ‘comeback perfection.’ ‘Self-management’ is interpreted as ‘diligence’ towards fans, and a strong sense of reward for the idol’s efforts is at play.
In contrast, international communities like PTT place a greater emphasis on an idol’s ‘health’ and ‘well-being.’ This could be due to a relatively lower understanding of the K-Pop system or the influence of ‘body positive’ culture, leading to a strong critical view of excessive dieting. Especially in Jeongyeon’s case, given her history of weight gain due to steroid side effects and previous hiatuses, as mentioned by various media outlets such as Star News and Chosun Biz, fans’ concerns are naturally amplified.
Nate Pann’s reactions reveal the complex emotions the Korean public feels between the ‘ideal image’ demanded of idols and ‘healthy activities.’ A critical view of ‘lookism’ (외모 지상주의 – the belief that physical attractiveness is the most important quality) coexists with fatigue over idols’ repeated physical transformations.
The diverse reactions to Jeongyeon’s weight change clearly demonstrate the complex reality K-Pop idols face. Fans hold a dual perspective: wishing for idols’ health and happiness, while simultaneously expecting a ‘perfect’ visual. What’s important is creating an environment where Jeongyeon herself can promote healthily and happily amidst this debate. Beyond external changes, we hope to see a fandom culture that increasingly respects idols’ inner selves and their health.
By Kim Doyoon.
