Kholidah
The discussion unfolded during her guest appearance on the popular YouTube talk show hosted by Hyeri, a member of the veteran girl group Girl’s Day. The program, titled "Hyell’s Club," features relaxed, long-form interviews over food and drinks, often eliciting more personal and less scripted responses from celebrities. During the episode, the table was laid with a variety of calorically dense and traditional Korean comfort foods, including chicken gizzards, chicken feet, tripe, and fried chicken—items typically avoided by public figures undergoing strict weight management regimens.
The Philosophical Shift: Protein Over Carbohydrates
The centerpiece of the conversation was Chaeryeong’s unconventional classification of "diet foods." While most nutritional guidelines emphasize caloric deficits and the avoidance of fried, high-fat items, the ITZY star shared a perspective rooted in macronutrient prioritization. She stated unequivocally that she views meat, including fried chicken, as a viable option for maintaining her figure, while identifying carbohydrates as the primary driver of weight gain.
"I think meat is food that doesn’t make you gain weight," Chaeryeong told Hyeri, much to the host’s surprise. She went further to differentiate between various high-calorie foods, adding, "I even think fried chicken is diet food. Pizza makes you gain weight, but chicken doesn’t."
This distinction highlights a personal dietary logic that prioritizes protein intake. Chaeryeong explained that while she may consume two full servings of meat in a single sitting, she strictly avoids accompanying the meal with rice or other grain-based sides. Her rationale suggests a self-imposed low-carb, high-protein approach, which she believes allows her to enjoy substantial portions without compromising her professional physical requirements.
Challenging the "Small Eater" Narrative
In recent years, a trend known in South Korea as "Sossikjwa" (small eaters) has gained traction, where celebrities are celebrated for their minimal food consumption. Chaeryeong, however, used her platform on Hyeri’s show to distance herself from this label. Despite her slender frame, she asserted that her intake is significantly higher than the public perceives.
"I’m not someone who eats small portions, but I’ve been completely labeled with a ‘small eater’ image," she remarked. She clarified her standing within her own group, stating, "Among the ITZY members, I actually eat quite a lot."
This revelation is significant within the context of K-pop, where "skinny" is often conflated with "starving." By claiming she eats more than her peers, Chaeryeong is inadvertently highlighting the high metabolic demands placed on modern idols. As a main dancer in a group known for some of the most physically demanding choreography in the industry, her caloric expenditure likely necessitates a higher intake of fuel, particularly protein, to maintain muscle recovery and energy levels.
The Context of ITZY’s Performance Demands
To understand how an idol can classify fried chicken as a "diet food," one must look at the rigorous schedule and physical output of JYP Entertainment’s premier girl group. ITZY, consisting of members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna, is celebrated for "performance-heavy" tracks such as "WANNABE," "LOCO," and "BORN TO BE."
A typical rehearsal day for a group of this caliber can involve six to ten hours of high-intensity dance practice. Scientific estimates for professional dancers suggest a caloric burn ranging from 400 to 600 calories per hour of active rehearsal. For Chaeryeong, a high-protein diet—even one involving fried elements—may provide the necessary amino acids for muscle repair without the lethargy sometimes associated with high-carbohydrate "crashes."
Furthermore, JYP Entertainment is well-known for its commitment to the health of its artists. The company’s founder, J.Y. Park, has famously invested in an organic cafeteria at the company headquarters, emphasizing the importance of high-quality ingredients. This background of nutritional awareness likely informs the members’ individual approaches to food, moving away from the dangerous "paper cup diets" of the previous decade toward more sustainable, if idiosyncratic, eating patterns.
Comparative Evolution of K-Pop Diet Culture
Chaeryeong’s comments represent a broader shift in the K-pop industry regarding body image and transparency. Historically, the industry was notorious for extreme weight-loss measures. Infamous examples include the "IU Diet" (one apple, two sweet potatoes, and a protein shake per day) or the "Ice Cube Diet" once mentioned by members of other groups.
In contrast, the "fourth generation" of K-pop, to which ITZY belongs, has seen a slight move toward "fit" rather than "thin." While the aesthetic standard remains demanding, there is a growing trend of idols discussing their need for strength. Chaeryeong’s focus on protein over carbohydrates mirrors the "Keto" or "Atkins" trends that have seen global popularity, though her application of it—allowing for the breading on fried chicken—is uniquely her own.
Public and Netizen Reactions
The reaction from the online community has been a mixture of skepticism and fascination. Many netizens expressed disbelief that someone of Chaeryeong’s stature could maintain her weight while considering fried chicken a staple. Comments on social media platforms and Korean community sites like Pann and TheQoo noted that her "unusual" tip might only be effective for someone with her specific genetic makeup and professional activity level.
"It’s not the chicken; it’s the 10 hours of dancing every day," one top comment noted. Others praised her for being honest about not being a "small eater," suggesting that her transparency helps demystify the idea that idols do not eat.
However, health experts often caution against the "all-or-nothing" approach to macronutrients. While protein is essential for muscle maintenance, carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy for high-intensity aerobic activity. Chaeryeong’s avoidance of rice while consuming fried chicken—which contains carbohydrates in its batter—suggests a nuanced, perhaps instinctive, balance rather than a strict medical diet.
Broader Implications for the Industry
The "Chaeryeong Diet Tip" serves as a case study in the evolving relationship between celebrities and their public personas. By sharing these "unusual" beliefs, idols humanize themselves, moving away from the "perfect doll" image to someone who negotiates their cravings and professional requirements just like their fans.
This transparency also carries a level of responsibility. As influencers with global reach, the dietary choices of K-pop idols are often emulated by young fans. The shift from "don’t eat" to "eat protein" is generally viewed as a positive progression by mental health advocates, though the emphasis on "avoiding carbs" continues to be a point of nutritional debate.
Chronology of ITZY’s Health and Image Discourse
This is not the first time ITZY members have spoken about their physical maintenance. Since their debut in 2019, the group has been praised for their "healthy and confident" concept.
- 2019-2020: Early interviews focused on the group’s stamina. Members often mentioned eating hearty meals before performances to ensure they didn’t faint on stage.
- 2021-2022: As individual members gained more solo opportunities, they began sharing "What’s in my bag" videos, often revealing vitamins and health supplements, signaling a shift toward holistic wellness.
- 2023-2024: During their "BORN TO BE" world tour, the physical toll of back-to-back performances became a topic of discussion. Chaeryeong’s appearance on "Hyell’s Club" in mid-2024 represents a peak in this timeline of transparency, where the specifics of "how" they maintain their energy are finally being detailed.
Conclusion: A Personalized Approach to Wellness
Chaeryeong’s revelation that she considers fried chicken a "diet food" is ultimately a testament to the highly individualized nature of fitness and nutrition. For a professional athlete or a high-intensity performer, the standard rules of sedentary nutrition often do not apply.
Her comments reflect a growing confidence among female idols to speak openly about their bodies and their habits without the fear of being judged for not adhering to a "perfect" or "minimalist" lifestyle. As ITZY continues to dominate the global charts, the focus on their health and sustainability will likely remain a key interest for fans and industry observers alike. While the "fried chicken diet" may not be a universal solution for the general public, for Chaeryeong, it appears to be the fuel that powers one of K-pop’s most formidable performers.
