Netizens Grow Concerned For NewJeans After The Food They Eat Is Revealed
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When NewJeans debuted, they were the epitome of fresh, youthful, and natural. All these charms combined made them something K-Pop had not seen in a long time. Compared to more manufactured and sophisticated groups, NewJeans drew people in with their girl-next-door vibes.
Needless to say, the girls were still very slim compared to non-celebrities. As an idol, there might have been some pressure put on them to look a certain way. But given their young age, with the youngest member being only 15 years old then, many believed that their company would not force them to adhere to the regular strict routines of idols.
Belatedly in March 2023, a video of the girls began to circulate and gain attention. The video was taken during filming for their debut music video, “Hype Boy.” The girls were seen eating very little amounts of food, with most of it being vegetables.
Their CEO, Min Hee Jin, posted the video on her personal Instagram. The video was taken overseas when they filmed on set. They ate cherry tomatoes and other assorted vegetables.
든든히 먹이고 싶잖아😭 pic.twitter.com/rCLmjywGAh
— meaningless (@ash_realize) March 20, 2023
What made fans even more upset was that Hyein sounded like she was forcing herself to enjoy the meal.
- Min Hee Jin: How is it?
- Hyein: It’s so good. I think after coming here, I got used to this healthy taste. So now I like such foods.
- Min Hee Jin: Wow, finally something good to hear. Hyein originally liked meat, though.
- Hyein: Yeah. I still like meat but, well.
Fans felt that as growing girls, they should be fed more.
성장기 애들한테 뭐하는 짓임 ㅆㅂ https://t.co/60dMCTX8Z6
— 다햬 (@56azaleas) March 21, 2023
F*ck what are they doing to kids who are still growing?
— 56azaleas
a portion of protein isnt hurt tho … she needs to give them better diet meals
— bunnies | 🐇🐇🐇 (@newjeanszs) March 20, 2023
이거 나만 놀란거니..? 아동학대 사례로 써도 될만큼 문제 있지않는거 아니니… 안그래도 어린 여자학생들 사이에 프ㄹ아ㄴ가 판치는데, 저렇게 삐쩍 마른 여자애들한테 강아지 한끼식사만큼의 열량도 안나올 것 같은 음식 먹이는 영상… 유해하다고 생각한다pic.twitter.com/Osiy3PscTF
— 매형 (@brother_mae) March 20, 2023
Some were concerned about how the video would influence other young girls.
Am I the only one who is shocked? This is an issue that can even be used as an instance of child abuse. Pro-ana is already so common amongst young female students but a video that shows already skinny girls being fed less than what a dog eats for a meal. I think this is harmful.
— brother_mae
아니 걍 다이어트 강요는 르럴수잇다치는데
애들이 스스로 이제는 이게 맛잇어요!!!하고 잇다는게 먼가 기괴함 https://t.co/akL5g1Kv1T— 지지타임 (@daisukijiji) March 21, 2023
I mean, they could force the kids to go on diets but it’s so creepy how they’re convincing themselves that it’s delicious.
— daisukijijiji
Despite this, there is a minor opinion that voices out how female idols get criticized the instant they put on weight. Cameras are known to make people look chubbier than they do in real life as well, not aiding the cause.
