Kholidah
The Revelation on Knowing Bros
The episode, which aired on May 2, 2026, featured members of ZEROBASEONE as they engaged in the show’s signature "high school" format. Amidst the banter and comedic segments, the conversation turned toward the idols’ pre-debut lives and the challenges they faced in preparing for the spotlight. Sung Hanbin, known for his sharp visuals and lean, athletic physique, surprised the cast by revealing that he had not always possessed his current frame.
According to Sung, his weight peaked during his growth years at approximately 220 pounds (100 kilograms). He described himself as having been "quite chubby" during his middle school and early high school years. The idol explained that his decision to lose weight was driven by a desire to pursue a career in performance, a path that ultimately led him to become one of the most recognized faces in the fifth generation of K-pop.
"When I was younger, I gained a lot of weight," Sung admitted during the broadcast. "I went up to 100 kilos at one point, but I lost it rapidly during my growth period. Interestingly, that is also when my height stopped growing." This specific detail—the cessation of his height growth—provides a glimpse into the physiological toll that rapid weight loss can have on an adolescent body, a point that has since been noted by health professionals discussing the segment.
The "Perfume Diet": A Sensory Approach to Appetite Suppression
The most striking aspect of Sung Hanbin’s testimony was his use of fragrance as a primary tool for weight management. Dubbing his method the "perfume diet," the idol explained that he utilized specific scents to curb his appetite and reduce the urge to snack or overeat.
"I did what I call a ‘perfume diet,’" he revealed to the astonished cast of Knowing Bros. He explained that by applying perfume or surrounding himself with specific aromas, he was able to distract his senses and suppress the psychological desire for food. This method, while unconventional in the context of mainstream dieting, aligns with certain psychological theories regarding sensory satiety and the olfactory system’s influence on the brain’s hunger signals.
From a scientific perspective, the relationship between smell and appetite is well-documented. The olfactory bulb is directly connected to the amygdala and hippocampus, areas of the brain involved in emotion and memory. Certain scents, such as peppermint, grapefruit, and vanilla, have been studied for their potential to alter cravings. By leveraging the power of scent, Sung Hanbin created a psychological barrier between himself and the impulse to consume calories, allowing him to maintain the discipline required for his dramatic transformation.
Chronology of a Transformation: From Student to Global Star
To understand the magnitude of Sung Hanbin’s journey, one must look at the timeline of his ascent in the entertainment industry. His transformation did not occur overnight but was a multi-year process that bridged his transition from a regular student to a professional dancer and, eventually, a K-pop trainee.
- The Pre-Transformation Years (Late Childhood to Early Teens): During this period, Sung reached his peak weight of 100kg. He has often spoken about his love for food during this time, which contributed to his "chubby" appearance in childhood photos that have occasionally circulated online.
- The Initial Weight Loss (Mid-Teens): As he began to take a serious interest in dance—specifically waacking and tutting—the physical demands of his hobby began to clash with his weight. It was during this phase that he implemented his rigorous dieting methods, including the perfume diet, leading to a loss of over 30kg.
- The Trainee and "Boys Planet" Era (2022–2023): By the time Sung Hanbin appeared on the Mnet survival show Boys Planet, he had already achieved his target physique. Standing at 5’11” (181 cm) and weighing approximately 141 pounds (64 kg), he presented the "ideal" idol image: lean, muscular, and agile. His background as a professional backup dancer for groups like BTS further solidified his physical conditioning.
- Current Status with ZEROBASEONE (2023–Present): As the leader of ZEROBASEONE, Sung maintains a strict regimen to handle the group’s grueling schedule, which includes international touring, constant choreography rehearsals, and public appearances.
Supporting Data: The Reality of Idol Weight Standards
Sung Hanbin’s story is situated within a broader cultural context where physical appearance is often tied to professional success. In the South Korean entertainment industry, the "standard" weight for male idols often falls significantly below the average for the general population. For an individual standing 181 cm tall, a weight of 64 kg results in a Body Mass Index (BMI) of approximately 19.5, which is on the lower end of the "healthy" range.
Data from the K-pop industry suggests that many trainees undergo extreme "diet seasons" before a debut or a comeback. Common methods reported by other idols include the "one meal a day" (OMAD) diet, extreme calorie restriction, and excessive cardiovascular exercise. Sung’s "perfume diet" is viewed by some as a more creative, less physically invasive psychological trick, though it was still paired with the rapid weight loss that he noted may have affected his final height.
Public and Fan Reactions
The reaction from ZEROSE (the official fandom of ZEROBASEONE) has been a mix of admiration and concern. On social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Weibo, fans praised Sung for his honesty and his "human" side. Many expressed that his story served as an inspiration for self-discipline and personal growth.
However, a significant portion of the discourse also focused on the pressures of the industry. "It’s impressive that he had the willpower to lose that much weight, but it’s also heartbreaking to hear that it might have stunted his growth," one fan commented on a popular K-pop forum. "It shows how much these idols sacrifice before we even see them on stage."
Industry insiders have also weighed in, noting that Sung’s transparency is part of a growing trend where fourth and fifth-generation idols are more open about the "ugly" side of the idol life, including the struggles with body image and the rigorous standards of beauty they are expected to uphold.
Broader Implications and Health Analysis
The "perfume diet" highlights an interesting intersection between sensory science and weight management. While not a substitute for nutritional balance and exercise, the use of aromatherapy to manage cravings is a recognized supplemental strategy in some wellness circles. However, medical professionals caution against "rapid" weight loss during puberty, as Sung Hanbin experienced.
"Rapid weight loss during the growth spurt years can lead to nutritional deficiencies that impact bone density and hormonal balance," says Dr. Choi Min-ho, a Seoul-based nutritionist specializing in adolescent health. "While the ‘perfume diet’ itself is harmless, the caloric deficit required to lose 30kg quickly is what likely led to the cessation of height growth he mentioned."
Despite these concerns, Sung Hanbin’s current physical state is a testament to his dedication. He has successfully transitioned from a student struggling with his weight to a "visual center" who commands the stage with confidence. His ability to maintain this physique while performing high-intensity choreography for hours on end suggests a transition toward a more sustainable, athletic lifestyle since his teenage years.
The Continued Rise of ZEROBASEONE
Sung Hanbin’s personal journey is inextricably linked to the meteoric success of ZEROBASEONE. Since their formation on Boys Planet, the group has shattered records, becoming the first K-pop group to achieve "million-seller" status with their debut album, YOUTH IN THE SHADE, within its first day of release.
As the leader, Sung’s narrative of transformation and resilience resonates with the group’s themes of youth, growth, and overcoming adversity. His willingness to share his past struggles—including his weight—adds a layer of relatability to his "perfect" idol persona. This transparency has helped solidify a deep bond between the group and their global fan base, ensuring that ZEROBASEONE remains at the forefront of the industry.
In conclusion, Sung Hanbin’s "perfume diet" and his 66-pound weight loss journey offer a complex look at the life of a modern idol. It is a story of immense willpower, the unique pressures of the South Korean entertainment industry, and the creative methods individuals use to navigate those pressures. As he continues to lead ZEROBASEONE through their busy promotional cycles, his story serves as a reminder of the dedication required to stand at the pinnacle of the K-pop world.
