STAYC member J’s recent apology for her weight management has sparked international criticism of K-pop’s strict beauty standards. J shared on a fan platform that she had just returned from the gym, admitting, “I watched a recent fan-cam video and realized I may not have managed my body well.” She promised to “start dieting” and “do it slowly with healthy foods.”
Her recent appearances showed slight weight gain, which was mostly met with positive fan reactions, though some online communities voiced concerns about her appearance and health.
One fan defended J’s comments, noting, “She apologized for not keeping her figure, yet almost all fan-cam comments were positive, saying she looks great with a bit of weight gain. I didn’t even notice her weight until I read those comments.”
Similar sentiments surfaced widely online, with fans expressing, “J looks beautiful no matter what,” and “She looks healthier now compared to when she was extremely thin.” Some voiced frustration with societal expectations, remarking, “It’s painful to see people pounce on idols unless they’re stick-thin.”
International media outlet allkpop covered J’s apology, commenting, “K-pop idols face incessant scrutiny and constant pressure to maintain specific beauty standards, often feeling compelled to sustain a slim figure to align with the ideal image projected through broadcast.”
Overseas fans also reacted, with one stating, “It’s sad that J focused on the negative comments despite receiving so many positive ones.” Another added, “Some agencies push idols to be skinny, teaching harmful habits that impact young idols’ mindsets.”
Others shared opinions such as, “Everyone has different body shapes, and it shouldn’t matter if she’s thin or chubby,” and, “Having to apologize for gaining weight is inhumane and awful.”
