(TW) Good intentions over an idol's health can become problematic quickly

The reason I am bringing this up is because I am seeing so much discussion in kpop spaces about certain idol's weight.

For both of these idols, it's like kpop fans completely forget how to worry in moderation. We don't know these people, they don't owe us each and every detail about their health. Like, an idol just got on live and English comments are spamming him about these concerns about his weight. They probably mean well and it is coming from a place of genuine concern, but it is boundary pushing to try and force it down the idol's throat. They also try to find the "most concerning" looking pictures and spread them around. I've also seen them try to diagnose them. Like, it's one thing to have private conversations and share concerns there, but publicly??? That's crazy! These are real idols and real bodies and real health conditions that are being SPECULATED by people who don't know these idols personally!

With some idols, it's like haters also try to purposely make them "look bad" and ridicule them over their body type. Or backhanded compliments. It's just so messy. I just wish fans would practice having respect but I know that's too much to ask for.

Quote from xx-jenn-xx

As someone who’s been a fan of ATEEZ for 5 years, I try to stay away from negativity and avoid social media for exactly this reason. I actually wasn’t even aware of the situation until now. That said, I feel like even bringing up an idol’s weight, regardless of intention, can unintentionally fuel more speculation and judgment. People will inevitably form opinions based on looks alone, and that kind of scrutiny can spiral fast. Sometimes the most respectful thing fans can do is not discuss certain topics publicly at all, especially when it comes to someone’s health or appearance.

I feel like it's okay to have an overall discussion because of how harmful body standards can be in this industry. And I know it's not just kpop that has these issues. But yeah so many impressionable people look up to celebrities who have unhealthy body types and eating habits (I don't know how to phrase this more formally, sorry) and begin to think they should look like that too or eat like that too. People need to be reminded that there are really strict standards and that they should not feel the need to replicate them themselves.

Like idols are asked about their diets from time to time, and when they are shared, it's like... wow. I think it leads into concerns that the company is abusing them, too. We know how terrible these companies can be. And fans end up feeling helpless. And then as a result they cross boundaries. Going onto lives and spamming comments? Sharing specific pictures? That's definitely too far. Like why do people have photographic examples ready to shove in each others faces?

Edit to add on: I think these are very difficult and sensitive topics, but I think they're also very important to talk about (RESPECTFULLY OFC) because of how stigmatized mental health/body image issues are. Awareness is very important - especially when it comes to advocacy for the better treatment of idols and celebrities in general. If it just keeps being ignored, then it's just going to keep happening and people will continue to have their health be put at risk.

I hope I am not spreading too much negativity, I am just passionate about this topic and think it's important to talk about and call out people who are doing too much, if that makes sense.

Quote from xx-jenn-xx

I understand that some people feel these things should be talked about, but personally, I don’t think bringing up specific idols' appearances or health, even with good intentions, actually helps. It just draws more attention to their bodies and invites judgment from people who don’t know the full story.

I agree that the industry has harmful standards and needs to change, but discussing an idol’s weight or health publicly only adds to the noise and speculation. If the goal is to protect idols and respect their privacy, then not engaging with or spreading those conversations at all seems like the better approach to me.

Yeah, I completely hear you. I'll edit my post!

Quote from StanGIDLE

I think it's a very tricky subject and it's probably better to leave it alone. I assume idols read comments because many have stated they do. So, they might not react to things well when people are discussing their bodies. Plus, we don't know if there are any health problems for why they're under/over weight when it comes to idol standards.

Since she was mentioned I will briefly discuss her. I remember reading she had trouble due to health problem due to a herniated disc. I assume things can go up and down based on medication she takes. I am actually shocked she continued to be an idol because it sounds like a lot to manage. She has all of my respect to continue on while having health issues and able to maintain idol lifestyle.

Again, it feels as fans it's most likely better to keep things to ourselves because we never what they're going through.

Yeah, and fans always try stupid ways to censor their names and it ends up just becoming twisted and just weird.

I think her continuing her idol duties is actually a good example of representation in the industry. There are so many fans who have situations similar to hers and it shows that people don't need to give up their hopes and dreams! I think that's the way fans need to be talking about it - from the standpoint of an idol going through a hardship and making it through.

But everyone is trying to get their "hit Tweet" and doesn't want to actually reflect on these things! I wasn't intending to gossip but I see my mistakes now. I just got too frustrated and wanted to rant (but messed up doing so). I hope people understand me I feel a bit silly.