K-Pop girl group, NewJeans, has been making waves in the industry since their debut with their fresh and youthful charm.
Their girl-next-door vibes were a breath of fresh air compared to more manufactured and sophisticated groups.
However, a recent video of the girls eating very little during filming for their debut music video has caused concern among fans.
In the video, the girls are seen eating mostly vegetables, with their CEO, Min Hee Jin, asking them how the food tastes.
Hyein: It’s so good. I think after coming here, I got used to this healthy taste. So now I like such foods.
Min Hee Jin: Wow, finally something good to hear. Hyein originally liked meat, though.
Hyein: Yeah. I still like meat but, well.
Fans were especially upset when one of the members, Hyein, sounded like she was forcing herself to enjoy the meal. Fans felt that as growing girls, they should be fed more, and some were concerned about how the video would influence other young girls.
While there is a minor opinion that voices out how female idols get criticized the instant they put on weight, the overwhelming reaction has been one of concern for the health and well-being of the NewJeans members.
Some netizens have even gone so far as to call the video an instance of child abuse and harmful to young girls who may already struggle with pro-ana attitudes.
The pressure to maintain a certain weight and appearance is nothing new in the K-Pop industry, but as the youngest member of NewJeans is only 15 years old, many fans had hoped that their company would not force them to adhere to the regular strict routines of idols.
Here are some reactions from netizens on the issue:
“This is really concerning. These girls are already skinny, they need to be eating more than just vegetables.”
“I hope their company takes action and ensures that they are getting enough to eat. They are growing girls, after all.”
“It’s sad to see the pressure put on these young girls to maintain a certain appearance. I hope they are given the support they need.”
“As someone who struggled with an eating disorder in the past, this video is really triggering. I hope other young girls don’t see this and think it’s okay.”
“This is an issue that needs to be addressed. We can’t let young girls think that eating very little is healthy or normal.”
“I understand the pressure that female idols face to maintain a certain weight, but this is not the way to do it. We need to promote healthy eating habits and a balanced lifestyle.”
“I feel sorry for these girls. They should be allowed to enjoy their food without worrying about how it will affect their appearance.”
“I hope this video serves as a wake-up call for the K-Pop industry to prioritize the health and well-being of their idols.”
What are your thoughts?
Source[1]
