Protecting Your Body from Diet and Appearance Pressure
Wellbeing
Warning signs of pressure to lose weight unsafely, being made to go hungry, or practicing through injuries—and ways aspiring trainees who are still growing can protect themselves.
1. What the Law Prohibits
Starting in August 2025, the amended 대중문화예술산업발전법 (Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act) prohibits forcing young people working in popular culture and the arts to undergo excessive appearance management or take risks to their health and safety. Standard contracts also prohibit verbal abuse and coercion of adult trainees.
2. Warning Signs
- Being told to go without food for days or drink only water, or having your weight checked publicly and being criticized every day
- Dizziness, fainting, missed or irregular periods, or severe fatigue
- Deliberately making yourself vomit after eating, or relying on laxatives or diet pills
- Being unable to focus on practice or school because of thoughts about food and weight
If any of these continue, tell a parent or guardian and seek medical care.
3. If You’re Still Growing
Your body is still growing during your teens, including your height and bones, so extreme diets can harm your growth and stamina. If you’re told to lose weight, don’t just follow your trainer’s advice—make a plan with a doctor or nutrition professional.
4. Managing Injuries
- If you keep practicing through pain, a minor injury can become a long-term one.
- If you have swelling, sharp, tingling pain, or a feeling that a joint is slipping out of place, stop practicing and seek medical care.
- Getting enough sleep is part of recovery and improving your skills.
5. Where to Get Help
- Youth counseling 1388, mental health crisis counseling 1577-0199
- If you’re struggling with eating or thoughts about your body, you can talk to a counselor at a local mental health welfare center or hospital.
Source: 보건복지부
Translated from Korean by StagePass. The Korean original is authoritative.