The disparity stems from the fact that the international standard for obesity is a BMI of 30 or more, while the Korean standard is a BMI of 25 or more. South Korea classifies BMI figures of 25 to 29 as first-level obesity, 30 to 34 as second-level obesity, and 35 and above as third-level.
Therefore, the following modified BMI cut points are commonly used for analyses of the Korean population: underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23.0-24.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥25.0 kg/m2) [24].
Obesity classes were defined using the 2020 KSSO Obesity Treatment Guideline as follows, class I obesity, BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2; class II obesity, 30.0–34.9 kg/m2; class III obesity, ≥35.0 kg/m2. Abdominal obesity was defined as a WC ≥90 cm in men and ≥85 cm in women according to the KSSO definition.
In 2021, the average weight of South Korean women aged 19 years or younger lay at 59.87 kilograms. Women across all age categories tended to have similar weight averages, with the exception of women aged 80 years and older, who weighed significantly less.
However, today most women fall into one of two categories: those who are thin enough to be considered attractive by Korean standards and those who are not. The ideal weight for a woman in Korean culture is one that is considered petite–anywhere from 100 pounds (45 kilograms) up to 120 pounds (54 kilograms).
In fact, many people have even referred to the standard of beauty in Korea as unobtainable, as the ideal height of 162 cm (approximately 5 feet and 4 inches) and weight of 42 kg (about 93 pounds) is outside the reach for many, due to the strict exercise and diet regimen necessary to attain and maintain such a figure.
But the average woman aged 20 to 24 in the country is 1.6m tall and has a waist size of 28 inches and hip size of 36 inches, according to the Korea Agency for Technology and Standards in 2015.
On average, a fully-grown female Kpop idol will weigh somewhere in the mid-40 kilograms (somewhere around the high-90 pounds). An adult male idol will weigh somewhere in the low-60s (somewhere around 130 pounds).
In 2021, the average male middle school student in South Korea weighed 63.7 kilograms, while the average female student weight 53.6 kilograms.
Australia ranked 9th out of 21 countries with available data for the proportion of people aged 15 and over who were living with overweight or obesity (65%) – this was greater than the OECD average of 60%.
The average BMI was 23.2 for both sexes (Table 1), and the majority of subjects had a BMI below 25.0. The BMI was below 18.5 in 2.2 percent of men and 4.7 percent of women; above 25.0 in 23.8 percent and 26.8 percent, respectively; and above 30.0 in 0.8 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively.
Results: Among Korean adults, the age-adjusted prevalence of underweight (body mass index <18.5 kg/m2) was 3.1% in men and 6.3% in women. Overall, a U-shaped relationship was established between the prevalence of underweight by gender and age.
Women with a bra cup size larger than an American C are considered plus size. Other words for Plus Size in Japanese fashion are “Big Size” and “Queen Size”. Someone who is tall may be considered plus size. Having bust or hip measurements larger than average can also classify someone as plus size.
In 2021, the male student population aged 16 in South Korea weighed 71.5 kilograms on average. Their female classmates had an average weight of 57.8 kilograms.
Jisung is pretty but heavy at the same time. She is the heaviest female k-pop idol with weight over than 60kg. Sounds interesting. She is not dieting and has left her exercise for a time.
Everyone was required to be no heavier than 47kg (7st 6lb or 104lb) regardless of their age or height. At weekly weigh-ins, your body would be analysed by the trainer, and then they announced your weight to everyone in the room.
Weighing in at only 37kg, Elris's Yukyung might be the lightest idol in K-Pop!
In Korea, it is ideal for a woman to have slim features. A slim waist, thin hips and petite body are ideal. In regards to facial features, Korean women want a small petite fairy like face with double eyelids, while in the Western world, women want a thin nose with plump lips and doe like eyes.
There is nothing that Korean women don't eat. From protein to carbs to fat, a healthy Korean diet consists of all, but in a well-balanced form. Besides, Koreans are also very particular about portion sizes. They avoid overeating and also incorporate physical activity in their day-to-day routine.
The 80th percentile for WC in the Korean population was 90 cm for men and 86.5 cm for women. Thus, the appropriate WC cutoff point for central obesity in Koreans was determined to be 90 cm for men and 85 cm for women.
The K-pop diet is all about cutting down on fried, oily and fat-loaded foods. It focuses on foods that are rich in protein and other essential nutrients. While red meat is one of the staples in Korean cuisines, chicken and seafood are the preferred source of protein in the country. These also help in losing weight.
There is nothing that Korean women don't eat. From protein to carbs to fat, a healthy Korean diet consists of all, but in a well-balanced form. Besides, Koreans are also very particular about portion sizes. They avoid overeating and also incorporate physical activity in their day-to-day routine.
But aside from a preferred weight, there are other standards for a beautiful body in Korean culture. One of them being having long legs, thin enough to see a thigh gap or a 허벅지틈 (heobeogji teum). Other standards include having a slim waist and straight shoulders.