Wendy, a singer in the popular K-pop group Red Velvet, has sparked concern among fans following a noticeable and significant weight loss. Photos circulating online from the K-pop Super Live festival over the weekend showed the 32-year-old artist with a gaunt appearance, leading to widespread discussion and worry among her fanbase.
Fans expressed their distress on social media, with comments ranging from "She looks like a completely different person and she's way too skinny" to "I just hope she's healthy, happy, and taking care of herself." Many voiced concerns about the prevalence of unhealthy body images within the K-pop industry.
In response to the speculation, Wendy addressed her weight loss in a social media post. She explained that her thinner frame is primarily due to a loss of muscle mass, stating she had not been able to exercise for over a month due to her promotional activities. "I lost a bit [of weight] and I lost a lot of my muscle because I couldn't go work out," she reportedly said, according to Koreaboo. She added that she plans to resume her exercise routine after current promotions conclude.
Despite her changed appearance, Wendy asserted that her health remains good. "It might look like I'm not healthy, but I am! Of course, if I gained a bit more weight than I am right now, I'd be healthier!" she stated.
Wendy's recent appearance comes after her Red Velvet bandmate Joy also drew attention for her significantly slimmer physique last year. Joy, 29, who debuted with Red Velvet in 2014 with a notably fuller figure, had previously expressed a desire to be "reborn" with a slimmer body type, mentioning her envy of skinny individuals.
Red Velvet is currently preparing for the release of their new album, Velvet Summer, scheduled for August 3.
The K-pop industry, a significant contributor to South Korea's economy, places immense pressure on its young stars to maintain a high level of perfection. Reports suggest that extreme dieting is common among K-pop trainees, with some studies indicating that a high percentage of female trainees stop menstruating due to restrictive diets, stress, and lack of sleep. Previous instances of K-pop idols discussing drastic weight loss measures include Hyein of NewJeans, who shared details of a meager meal during a music video shoot, and Momo of TWICE, who confessed to severe self-starvation to meet a strict weight loss target before her group's debut.