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TWICE fans school antis trolling Jeongyeon's weight gain: 'This isn't her fault'

Jeongyeon reportedly had to take steroids for a herniated disc surgery and anxiety medicines for her mental health that caused her to gain weight

Even non-fans know that K-pop is brutal when it comes to body image, especially for female idols. A standard is set like a skinny-sized body and to reach that trainees are expected to diet, have medicines and even fast all while going through exhausting training with little to no rest. Some are made to go through plastic surgery if it’s not enough. And while K-pop fans know the tremendous effort idols go through, some still choose to hate on those idols who cannot attain this standard. And the latest target happens to be TWICE’s Jeongyeon.

TWICE’s Jeongyeon was previously lauded for her proportions, thin long face and almost a size zero body. However, during the K-pop group’s ‘I Can’t Stop Me’ era in October 2020, she suffered an injury. She had to go on a hiatus and get surgery for a herniated disc in her neck. Despite the pain, she continued to promote with TWICE continuously till August 2021. But some fans noticed that during the ‘Alcohol-Free’ release this year in June, Jeongyeon had put on a little weight.  

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Jeongyeon targeted since June 2021

Many didn’t know the reason for it and started trolling her, hating her hairstyle which they claimed was making her look ‘fatter’ and her summery outfits for the ‘Alcohol-Free’ concept that did not flatter her. Following that, her label JYPE shared in August that Jeongyeon would be going on a hiatus. She was suffering from panic and psychological anxiety disorders and was going on an indefinite hiatus. She couldn’t participate fully in TWICE’s first English single ‘The Feels’ but she was there in the music video.

While fans were happy, trolls started noticing and commenting on her appearance as she had visibly gained more weight. Photos with angles that made it look like she had a double chin started circulating. Jeongyeon then decided to end her hiatus early to join their next album promotions ‘Formula of Love’ in November. However, the stylists’ choice of outfits which just made her look bulkier made her even more of a target for haters. Whether these remarks were a catalyst or not, Jeongyeon is once again on a hiatus now and will not attend the Seoul concerts of TWICE’s upcoming world tour.

Weight gain cause

Reporter Lee Jin-ho claims to have insider info and has explained in a lengthy video that Jeongyeon's weight gain is due to the steroids she had to take for her surgery. It causes edema which is the swelling of the limbs and an increase in appetite. Some Korean fans claim that the weight gain is also due to the anxiety medicines Jeongyeon has been taking since August which could have drastically increased her weight from the June comeback to the recent album release in November.

Fans defend Jeongyeon from trolls

The fact that Jeongyeon’s weight gain couldn’t be helped and could have been due to medicines has fans further angry at the trolls who are targeting her. ONCEs made tweets like, “I wish anyone who calls jeongyeon ugly or talks about her weight a very die,” “Telling jeongyeon i love her won't do it anymore i'm putting her on my will,” and “Onces who have bbl pls pls shower jeongyeon with lots of love and encouragement!! pls tell her that she doesn't have to apologise, that this isn't her fault and it's okay to take care of herself first.” Jeongyeon had previously come online and apologized to fans for going on a hiatus once again.

Fans also blamed the stylists for making Jeongyeon a target, “It’s like jeongyeon gained a bit of weight now they don’t know how to dress her.” Another said, “The fact that this girl bodyshaming jeongyeon just beause she gain little weight peoples don't understand how much word can hurt jeongyeong deserves sm better.” One fan commented, “Waiting for the day when jeongyeon from twice will be appreciated for the wonderful, gifted woman she is and not just a conversation piece for weight, styling or mental health in kpop.”