Dara from 2NE1 opened up about the rigorous dieting culture at YG Entertainment, recalling instances where the agency imposed strict weight standards on the members. She recounted how her naturally petite frame led to her colleagues “suffering” as they adhered to extreme measures to meet the weight expectations set by the company.
The revelation came during a recent episode of “ZIP DAESUNG,” a YouTube channel managed by BIGBANG’s Daesung. The channel, celebrating its milestone of surpassing 100,000 subscribers, released a special vlog featuring unseen footage of past guests, including Dara.
Reflecting on her early days as a trainee, Dara confessed to being a light eater, which inadvertently caused distress for her fellow members.
She disclosed instances where she discreetly shared her meals with hungry colleagues, highlighting the stark contrast between her modest appetite and the demanding dietary restrictions enforced by YG Entertainment.
Dara shed light on the agency’s stringent weight control measures, revealing that members were pressured to achieve a weight comparable to hers, which hovered around 38-39kg.
This revelation underscores the intense scrutiny and unrealistic beauty standards prevalent in the K-pop industry, where artists face immense pressure to maintain a certain image.
Despite the challenges, Dara’s resilience shone through as she shared anecdotes about her affinity for Filipino cuisine, reminiscing about her introduction to comfort foods like “Sinigang.”
Her nostalgic recollections offered a look into her cultural heritage and provided a heartwarming contrast to the hardships endured during her time at YG Entertainment.
