In a recent appearance on the YouTube show ‘ZIP Daesung,’ (G)I-DLE Yuqi opened up about Cube Entertainment’s methods for motivating their idols to lose weight. Yuqi shared that after the Chuseok holiday, Cube Entertainment would weigh all their idols and publicly post their weights for everyone to see. This tactic aimed to embarrass those who had gained weight and compel them to lose it.
(G)I-DLE Yuqi discusses the company’s unique and intense methods for managing idols’ weight
During the YouTube interview, Yuqi explained, “It was during Chuseok. Everyone would gain a lot of weight. But the company printed a list of everyone’s weight and posted it in front of the office…!! For example, ‘Yuqi, XX kg.'” She continued, “Back then, there were Sunbaenims too. Pentagon and HyunA were there, and BTOB seniors could all see it. We had to keep seeing it.”
Yuqi revealed that she lost weight to remove her weight from the public list. She elaborated, “Back then, I lost 5kg in three days. It was a wake-up call. That was posted until we lost weight to our goal weight.” She added, “I thought that was amazing about our company. I still remember my weight from then.”
Daesung was amazed at how Yuqi managed to lose so much weight in a short amount of time. Hence, he asked. She responded, “I ate almost nothing to lose it… I wanted to take down the printout quickly…”
Yuqi’s revelations highlight the intense pressures idols face in the K-pop industry, where image and appearance are often paramount. Her story sheds light on the extreme measures taken by some entertainment companies to ensure their idols meet specific standards. As fans continue to support their favorite artists, it is crucial to recognize the importance of their health and well-being over appearance. The industry must balance maintaining an image and ensuring idols are treated with care and respect.
