The K-Pop industry is notorious for its strict beauty standards, and stories of idols and trainees facing pressure to lose weight are common. Recently, (G)I-DLE’s Yuqi revealed a heartbreaking method her agency, CUBE Entertainment, used to make trainees shed pounds.
A Shocking Revelation
During a recent appearance on BIGBANG’s Daesung’s weekly show, Yuqi shared a harrowing experience from her trainee days. She revealed that CUBE Entertainment employed a tactic of making trainees weigh themselves in front of everyone, then posting the results on a board for all to see. This public humiliation, according to Yuqi, was intended to motivate trainees to lose weight.
The Impact of Public Shaming
This practice, while seemingly intended to promote healthy competition, can have devastating effects on trainees’ mental health. Being publicly shamed for one’s weight can lead to eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and low self-esteem. It also creates a toxic environment where trainees feel pressured to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, potentially jeopardizing their overall well-being.
A Call for Change
Yuqi’s revelation highlights the need for a more humane approach to managing trainees’ health and well-being. K-Pop agencies must prioritize the mental and physical health of their artists, creating a supportive environment that encourages self-love and acceptance, rather than resorting to harmful practices like public shaming.