K-pop idol Nichkhun, a member of the iconic group 2PM, has shared details about a recent, intense weight loss regimen undertaken after comments about his appearance led to public discussion. The singer appeared on the SBS variety show ‘Aigojin’ (which translates to ‘Oh, but really!’) alongside his bandmates Jun. K, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, and Chansung.
Public Discussion Over Nichkhun’s Appearance
During the broadcast, fellow entertainer Lee Sang-min directly addressed Nichkhun’s recent change in appearance, asking, “Why have you become so much chubbier?” Another panelist, Lee Ji-hye, added her observation, noting, “I saw a video and felt like you seemed closer, like you were coming towards me.” These comments sparked a conversation about Nichkhun’s weight gain.
Nichkhun Explains Weight Gain and Subsequent Diet
Nichkhun responded to the remarks by explaining the circumstances that led to his weight gain. “At the beginning of the year, my schedule wasn’t very busy, so I went back home and ate too much,” he confessed. He admitted that the public’s reaction to his appearance made him realize his age was catching up. “Seeing that broadcast, I thought, ‘I’m really getting older,'” he stated.
The impact of these comments was significant, prompting Nichkhun to take drastic measures. “I was so shocked that recently, when I had a concert in Japan, I lost weight by eating only three eggs for three days,” he revealed. This extreme diet highlights the pressure faced by celebrities regarding their physical appearance.
Nichkhun’s ‘Thai Prince’ Legacy and Impact
The discussion also delved into Nichkhun’s past, when he was widely known as the “Thai Prince” due to his immense popularity in Thailand. Bandmate Jun. K affirmed this title, saying, “He was truly a prince.” Wooyoung further elaborated on Nichkhun’s pioneering role, suggesting that the surge of Thai K-pop artists following Nichkhun’s debut was a direct result of his success. “Many K-pop singers from Thailand have emerged after Nichkhun,” Wooyoung commented.
Taecyeon Recounts Nichkhun’s Solo Stardom in Thailand
Taecyeon shared a vivid anecdote illustrating Nichkhun’s unparalleled fame in Thailand. “When Nichkhun was promoting his song ‘Heartbeat’ in Thailand, his popularity was so immense,” Taecyeon recalled. “At that time, when they ranked influential artists in Thailand, he was number one.”
Taecyeon continued by describing a specific concert experience that underscored Nichkhun’s solo status even within their group’s activities. “We went to Thailand for a concert, and Nichkhun was at the awards ceremony seat, while the rest of us five performed a concert for Nichkhun,” he explained. “Even though we are the same group members, Nichkhun was seated separately, and only the five of us went on stage.” This humorous recollection brought laughter from the other members, emphasizing the extraordinary level of Nichkhun’s individual recognition in his home country.
The Evolution of K-Pop and Idol Image
Nichkhun’s experience touches upon a broader theme within the K-pop industry: the intense scrutiny idols face regarding their physical appearance and the pressures to maintain a certain image. While Nichkhun’s initial weight gain was a response to personal circumstances, the public reaction and his subsequent extreme diet reveal the high stakes involved in maintaining a public persona. His journey also highlights the significant impact early pioneers like himself had on paving the way for future generations of international artists in the K-pop landscape.
The narrative surrounding Nichkhun’s appearance serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between celebrity, public perception, and personal well-being. While his dedication to his craft and his fans is evident, the story also implicitly raises questions about the sustainability of extreme dieting practices and the overall pressures faced by K-pop idols.
