The "ideal" weight for K-pop idols is often unrealistically low, driven by industry standards emphasizing extreme slimness, especially for female idols (around 40-50 kg or 88-110 lbs) using formulas like height (cm) - 120 for weight (kg), while male idols aim for leaner, toned physiques (e.g., 65-72 kg for 175-180 cm), but these figures vary by group concept, with some agencies promoting dangerously thin standards, sparking criticism for unhealthy practices.
Recently, Seunghee of OH MY GIRL surprised viewers on the YouTube channel “Mim PD” when she revealed her weight was just “40 kilograms” (about 88 pounds). During an InBody test on the show, a specialist told her, “Your weight is below the healthy range for your height.
Holland is known as "the first openly gay K-pop idol". He is an only child. His parents found out about his sexuality after he discussed it in an interview.
The "7-year rule" or "seven-year curse" in K-pop refers to the common trend of groups disbanding or members leaving around the seven-year mark, stemming from standard K-pop contracts being capped at seven years by South Korea's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) following unfair "slave contracts". After this initial term, groups face contract renegotiations, often leading to disbandment or departures, though increased global popularity is helping more groups survive this period now.
While K-pop is generally a difficult industry for overt LGBTQ+ expression, pioneers like Holland (openly gay solo artist) and recent examples like Bain (of JUST B, who came out in 2025) are notable, alongside figures like Jiae (former WASUP, bisexual) and Harisu (pioneering transgender entertainer), showcasing increasing visibility despite societal challenges in South Korea. Many other idols show LGBTQ+ support or hint at fluidity, but these individuals are known for their public declarations.
The genre won't disappear, it'll continue to exist beside what is popular in the west. There will still be some korean groups and they will keep k-pop as we know it alive. Let's be honest, right now, kpop is expanding incredibly fast, with more groups debuting than can be sustained by the industry.
Image: Photo: Instagram / @official_marykiko. K-POP star Hansol recently came out as asexual. Hansol, of the group ToppDogg, came out via an Instragram livestream, Gay Star News has reported. “I have been thinking a lot,” Hansol said.
Jungkook is very open in his support for the LGBTQ+ community - YouTube.
K-Pop celebrities with twins
Jo Youngmin and Jo Kwangmin debuted together in 2011 as part of the K-pop boy group Boyfriend, under Starship Entertainment. Known for their identical looks and synchronised choreography, the twins quickly became fan favourites, often performing side by side in mirrored styling.
so a widely known phenomenon in the kpop industry is that almost every group struggles to make it through what is called the "7 year curse". whether it be that they lose members, they go on an indefinite hiatus or just straight up disband.
AleXa confirmed on the podcast How Did I Get Here that she's 4'11" which is about 152cm.
The formula is your height in centimeters. -1 20 equals the ideal or goal weight in kilograms. The average female in the US is 5ft 4, which is a hundred 62.56cm -1 20.
K-pop idols often prefer bodyweight exercises to weightlifting. This approach allows them to build lean muscle while avoiding the bulk that can hamper their dance performances. Chaewon de Lesserafim, for example, incorporates bodyweight exercises such as planks, burpees and jump squats into her routine.
Jungkook apologized for wearing a hat with the slogan "Make Tokyo Great Again" during a rehearsal in June 2025, which caused controversy for its perceived nationalist and insensitive political undertones, particularly given historical tensions between Korea and Japan. He expressed remorse on Weverse, stating he was careless, didn't fully check the phrase's meaning, and promised to be more thoughtful in the future.
Jimin is perhaps the most feminine out of all the members and leaves a "Jimin effect"on global audiences. Jimin has actually become one of the most popular celebrities in Korea and globally many people refer to him. He has also become a producer for bts over the past 2 years. Main dancer/ main vocalist of bts.
Namjoon, Tae and JK have all expressed support in various ways directly to LGBT+ fans that have showed up to fansites. Members like Yoongi has straight up said it's nothing wrong, everyone is equal, when Namjoon was a bit more “diplomatical” and tried to swerve the question a bit.
One of the most famous examples of this is Bora and Hyorin of Sistar. The birth date reported by Starship Entertainment for the entirety of their run with the company was "January", but in reality were born a month earlier, in December.
Still, this event was one where hugs were invited, and Jin is an adult. K-pop idols are expected to perform a surprising amount of "fan service." We have all seen the cute finger hearts and cheek heart poses that they display for photographs and interviews.
The "intensely competitive" K-pop industry is worth an estimated £8 billion annually to the South Korean economy, said The Telegraph, and its stars have been "bound by contracts" that have “no dating” rules. They cannot get married without permission.
Speaking at Brainstorm AI Singapore: The Age Of Intelligence in July, Supertone founder and chief executive Kyogu Lee said AI would expand creative possibilities rather than replace artistes. He said: “Every creator and artiste will be able to explore and experiment with new ideas using AI technology.
Yes, Christians can listen to K-pop, but it depends on individual discernment, as opinions vary from it being perfectly fine to problematic, focusing on lyrics, themes, and avoiding obsession or idolatry, with many Christians enjoying it in moderation while some avoid certain songs or content due to spiritual concerns. The key is personal conviction, ensuring music doesn't hinder faith, glorify sin, or become a replacement for God, and there are even devout Christian K-pop artists.
BTS debuted on June 13, 2013.