(G)I-DLE’s Yuqi recently opened up about her challenging experience with weight management during her trainee days at CUBE Entertainment. Speaking on a show with BIGBANG’s Daesung, Yuqi shared that she and her fellow trainees had to weigh themselves every Saturday, which led to immense stress and even indigestion.

The company would publicly post the trainees’ weights, making it visible to everyone, including senior artists like PENTAGON, HyunA, and BTOB, increasing the pressure to lose weight rapidly. Yuqi once shed 5 kg in just three days by eating almost nothing during a Chuseok holiday, underscoring the extreme measures trainees felt forced to take under such scrutiny.

These practices not only harmed their physical health but also severely impacted their mental well-being. Although Yuqi’s account was shared with humor, it highlights serious concerns about the broader K-pop industry’s pressure on idols to adhere to strict beauty standards. This issue has been ongoing, with various idols and former trainees revealing the harsh and sometimes dangerous methods they have used to meet industry expectations.

Yuqi’s Experience at CUBE Entertainment: Yuqi disclosed that trainees at CUBE Entertainment had mandatory weigh-ins every Saturday, with their weights displayed publicly until they met the required weight loss. She highlighted the severe pressure and unhealthy practices by recounting how she lost 5 kg in just three days by barely eating.

Seulgi from Red Velvet: Seulgi shared that she was banned from eating fried chicken and had her food portions strictly controlled by her company. Extreme diets, like consuming only soy milk, led to fatigue and nutrient deficiencies.

Momo from TWICE: Momo revealed that she once followed an “ice cube diet,” eating just one ice cube a day to quickly lose 7 kg before her debut, posing significant health risks like dehydration and organ damage.

Wendy from Red Velvet: Wendy described a diet consisting of a light breakfast of cabbage and an apple, only pumpkin juice for lunch, and 10,000 skips of rope daily, a regimen that was unsustainable and unhealthy.

Former Trainees’ Revelations: Former trainees have disclosed severe weight loss methods enforced by companies, such as carboxytherapy, electric shock treatments, strict food rationing, daily weigh-ins, and threats of contract termination for not meeting weight requirements.

These harmful practices not only damage physical health but also have long-term mental health repercussions, including eating disorders and body dysmorphia. The K-pop industry’s stringent beauty standards and the extreme measures taken to meet them highlight the urgent need for a more supportive and health-conscious approach to idol management