Super Junior’s Shindong recently surprised fans by revealing he lost nearly 40 kilograms in five months, attributing his transformation mostly to an intense diet rather than weight loss injections he also tried.
Shindong’s Incredible Transformation
During a recent appearance on KBS2’s “Problem Child in House” with fellow Super Junior member Kyuhyun, Shindong opened up about his dramatic weight loss journey. He shared that his weight dropped from 116 kg to 79 kg, a significant loss achieved over just five months.
The K-pop idol emphasized that disciplined dieting played a far greater role in his success than exercise. This revelation comes as Super Junior celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking a new chapter for the beloved group member.
The Diet That Did It
Curiosity naturally turned to the specifics of his diet. Shindong explained he primarily consumed “ssambap,” a traditional Korean dish featuring small rice balls made from brown rice, often mixed with a touch of stir-fried anchovies and gochujang (red chili paste), all wrapped in a fresh leaf.
He revealed he would eat at least six of these ssambap portions daily, making it his staple meal. This strict regimen highlights the intense dedication often seen in the K-pop industry when it comes to body management.
A Surprising Encounter with Weight Loss Injections
Shindong also disclosed that he tried Wegovy, a popular weight-loss injection. This drug, originally for diabetic patients, has gained notoriety recently due to its use by celebrities and public figures like Elon Musk.
However, Shindong comically noted that the injections didn’t seem to work for him, even at high doses. He quoted his doctor saying, “Shindong, you’ve beaten Wegovy!” Despite his efforts, he admitted to experiencing the “yo-yo effect,” regaining some of the lost weight.
Experts often warn that extreme diets and sudden weight loss can lead to rebound weight gain, a phenomenon Shindong unfortunately encountered. He also humorously shared that his food delivery app spending once exceeded 14 million won (around $12,000 USD) on just one of the three apps he regularly uses, showcasing his past eating habits.
K-Pop’s Diet Culture and the Broader Debate
Shindong’s story sparked an online discussion about the rising popularity of weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic in South Korea, raising questions about Western influence on beauty standards.
While many South Korean celebrities are known for their rigorous diet plans—from IU’s extreme one-apple-a-day routine to the dramatic transformations of Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young—the use of GLP-1 drugs for non-medical weight loss remains a contentious topic. These drugs work by slowing digestion and reducing appetite, but their side effects and ethical implications for those not clinically obese are still under heavy debate.
- Shindong lost nearly 40 kg (from 116 kg to 79 kg) in five months.
- His primary method was a strict diet of “ssambap” (rice balls wrapped in leaves).
- He tried Wegovy injections, but they were ineffective for him.
- He experienced the “yo-yo effect,” gaining some weight back.
- His story highlights the growing trend and debate around weight loss injections in South Korea’s K-pop industry.
As Super Junior continues its journey, Shindong’s candid sharing provides a glimpse into the pressures and lengths idols go to manage their public image and health, reflecting broader trends in the K-pop world and beyond.
