MAMAMOO's Hwasa has shared a deeply emotional story about her difficult battle with anorexia during her trainee days.

On December 29th, SBS aired a special program titled Bodymentary: Confessions About Weight, where iconic female stars from different generations—Kim Wan Sun, Soyou, Jun Hyo Seong, Han Seung Yeon, and Hwasa—talked openly about the harsh realities of being judged for their weight and looks in the entertainment industry.

Stylist Jung Seol, who has worked in the industry for 22 years, also appeared on the show, shedding light on how idols face immense pressure to meet unrealistic weight standards.

"It breaks my heart how obsessed idol culture is with the number on the scale," she said. "Everyone has a different body, so how can one number define beauty? Weight isn't like measuring meat where '41 kg' equals a specific size."

Hwasa, known for her fierce stage presence and confidence, revealed how dark and painful her trainee years were. "Back then, I didn’t know what was right. I thought the only way to debut was to starve myself. So I completely stopped eating," she admitted.

The singer also recalled how weigh-in days became a nightmare. "We all felt the pressure to show lower numbers on the scale. My members and I would go to the pharmacy and buy laxatives, hoping it would help us weigh less before stepping on the scale."

Hwasa shared a heartbreaking moment when she broke her strict diet by eating black sesame rice cakes. "I felt so guilty," she said.

"I had worked so hard to lose weight, and the thought of eating made me furious at myself. All that guilt and anger just poured out. I cried and ended up vomiting everything I had eaten. That was when my anorexia started."

Her emotional confession highlights the struggles many idols face behind the scenes, even as they appear confident and glamorous in the spotlight. Fans have since expressed their support for Hwasa, praising her for her bravery in sharing such a personal story.

This eye-opening discussion is a reminder of the challenges idols endure in their pursuit of success, and Hwasa’s courage continues to inspire many.

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Director Kim Hyung Joo of The Match has finally shared his thoughts on Yoo Ah In’s involvement in a drug scandal, calling it a major disappointment, especially considering the actor’s role as the lead in the film.

On March 19th, the director attended a press screening and briefing for The Match at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul. Alongside Kim, actors Lee Byung Hun, Ko Chang Seok, Hyun Bong Sik, Moon Jung Hee, and Jo Woo Jin were present to discuss the film.

The Match revolves around the legendary Go player Cho Hun Hyun (played by Lee Byung Hun), who, after a loss to his disciple, decides to challenge the top players again, driven by his competitive spirit. The movie is directed by Kim Hyung Joo.

Lee Byung Hun plays the iconic Go champion Cho Hun Hyun, while Yoo Ah In portrays his disciple, Lee Chang Ho.

During the event, Kim recalled the casting process, saying, "When we were casting, Lee Byung Hun was cast first. Just having him felt like we had the world, and then, getting Yoo Ah In as a bonus made me even happier."

Although filming wrapped up in 2021, Yoo Ah In's drug scandal led to the indefinite postponement of the film’s release. Now, nearly four years later, The Match is finally set to hit theaters on March 26th.

Reflecting on Yoo Ah In's scandal, Director Kim openly shared his frustration, calling it "irresponsible and disappointing" for the actor to make such a mistake as the lead.

He added, “Before being an actor, he made a mistake as a member of society and was punished, so I don’t think there’s much more to say.” Kim smiled bitterly as he spoke.

Describing the challenges he faced due to the scandal, Kim compared the experience to being trapped in "a hellish tunnel."

He said, "There was nothing I could do inside, so it was overwhelming. But now that we have the light of release, it feels like I can breathe. I’m deeply moved."

The director also shared that because Yoo Ah In was the lead actor, the film had to be released as it was, without editing. This has led some people to feel uneasy about watching the film, given the actor’s scandal.

When asked about this, Director Kim said, "Choosing and judging is up to the audience, so I can't force anything. But I hope they watch the movie as it is. I unintentionally got hurt before the release, so I hope people watch the movie warmly, as if applying ointment to a wound."

The Match will officially be released on March 26th.

Source: [1]