Korean diet for losing weight on legs and belly with reviews and recommendations from actresses and female idols

Secrets of losing weight

Korean cuisine will seem unusual to those who are accustomed to moderate use of spices. It is no secret that residents of the Asian country love rice as much as Russian people love bread. They also cannot imagine a diet without adding:

• nori seaweed;
• seafood;
• soy sauce;
• spices that add heat.

However, these are the food preferences of Koreans. The diet of Korean girls also has its own characteristics. The weight loss nutrition system lasts about 13-14 days. During this time, the following foods are removed from the diet:

• salt, sugar and sugar-containing foods;
• all types of baked goods, even bread;
• fermented milk products.

Sweet carbonated drinks are strictly prohibited.

The list of taboos includes fast food, which contains carbohydrates and contributes to weight gain.

pros

Nutrition has a number of advantages:

• The Asian diet is safe and practical. This system is suitable for many because it has a balanced menu in which a person benefits from food.
• One of the common problems with weight loss is stretched and sagging skin. The diet guarantees you an aesthetic appearance after body correction.
• Slow weight loss is a positive quality, since when fat is quickly consumed, the body experiences stress and loss of vitamins.

The positive aspects described above are more characteristic of long-term Korean diets rather than short-term ones.

Minuses

Experts have identified the following negative aspects:

• A short nutrition program has strict restrictions, so not every person is able to withstand strict limits.
• Eating antics are contraindicated for athletes because they need a diet that is more calorie-rich and nutritious.
• The weight loss menu has many contraindications, so it is not suitable for every person.

We recommend giving preference to the Korean diet, as it has more benefits and is safe.

There are contraindications

There are different variations of the Korean weight loss system, some of them have contraindications. Losing weight for Asian reasons is not worth it:

• for ulcers and gastritis with high acidity;
• for liver and kidney diseases;
• patients with diabetes mellitus;
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• in adolescence;
• for anorexia and bulimia.

If you have any doubts about whether the Korean diet is right for you, consult your doctor.

Contraindications

A poor menu and a strict nutritional system are not suitable for everyone, especially if the patient has poor health and various diseases. Contraindications include the following diseases and pathologies:

• diseases and malfunctions of the digestive system (enteritis, gastritis, ulcers, colitis, increased acidity of gastric juice, etc.),
• kidney and liver diseases,
• diabetes,
• hormonal imbalances,
• hypertension,
• violation of hematopoietic function,
• digestive disorders (bulimia, anorexia, etc.),
• mental illnesses and disorders.

The use of the Korean diet is contraindicated for children, adolescents, the elderly, pregnant and nursing mothers.

What do Koreans eat?

Koreans eat spicy food. Research into Korean cuisine has shown that over the past 5 years, residents of this country have begun to consume more spices. If we talk about what Koreans eat every day, then this is:

• rice in huge quantities;
• various types of nori seaweed;
• there are a lot of foods that can be prepared quickly (various soups, noodles, etc.).
• surimi and various seafood;
• kimchi - a spicy snack, a regular at Korean feasts;
• soy sauce (judging by the fact that there are many two-liter packages on the shelves, it is consumed in large quantities);

The essence of the diet

The idols' diet was developed by Korean nutritionists, who included only healthy foods that have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the body. The essence of the diet is to get rid of sugar, alcohol, confectionery and sweeteners, which provoke weight gain. The duration of the diet is 2 weeks, if you fulfill all the requirements correctly, during this time you can easily lose 5 kg of weight, improve metabolic processes, and normalize the functioning of the digestive system.

The nutrition system is complex because it implies a strict restriction of familiar foods that formed the basis of the entire diet. In the first days of following a diet, those losing weight will observe a sharp decrease in strength and energy, apathy, and a constant feeling of hunger, which will gradually go away as the diet progresses.

Rules and principles

In order for the Korean diet to give the desired results, you need to learn how to follow it. Rules that must be followed:

• The duration of the diet is 14 days, a shorter duration will not give the desired result,
• Before breakfast, you should drink 2 glasses of warm water with lemon or ginger. Eating is allowed only 30 minutes after eating,
• The daily diet occurs in 3 stages: breakfast, lunch, dinner. There are no snacks in the Korean diet.
• Drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day,
• On the diet, it is forbidden to eat fatty, sweet, salty foods. Alcohol in any form, bread, and sugar are also prohibited.

In order for the diet to give the desired results, it is necessary to follow all the rules and exclude from the diet those foods that do not belong to the diet.

If you want to quickly lose weight, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the diet for anorexics.

Basic recommendations

It is extremely important to strictly follow the rules proposed by nutritionists:

• Each meal is accompanied by a glass of water;
• Any type of sea fish is suitable for food, except fatty ones;
• The drinking regime for a day implies a liter of drinking water without gas;
• To maintain the cardiovascular system, the menu includes red rice dishes;
• Calorie intake per day is limited;
• The last meal is until seven in the evening;
• You can't eat before bed.

It is also recommended to accompany the diet with moderate exercise, such as yoga.

An important point that Korean nutritionists point out is related to food intake. Firstly, food should bring joy and pleasure, so it makes sense to choose recipes from allowed foods that you sincerely enjoy. Secondly, meals should be taken in a calm environment, chewing thoroughly, without rushing.

Age category

The desire to be like Korean popular singers - idols - overcomes teenagers, but they are absolutely not allowed to use such a diet as a way to lose weight. In this option, as in principle in strict diets, there are too few substances necessary for a growing body. Using a diet will lead to a sharp deterioration in your health.

After fifty years, hormonal disruptions in the body begin, so nutritionists do not recommend using the Korean diet during this period. In some cases, it is contraindicated for women over the age of forty; consultation with a nutritionist is required.

Advantages

The Korean idol diet has advantages over other diets, as well as over unhealthy diets. Korean nutritionists claim that all women, regardless of nationality, can be slim and beautiful. You just need to try to follow a dietary diet, especially since it has the following advantages:

• After finishing the diet, the weight does not return to its original state,
• The food is balanced, you can quickly get used to it,
• During the diet, metabolic processes significantly improve,
• It has a beneficial effect on the entire body,
• The diet is aimed at getting rid of excess weight in problem areas.

Anyone who is losing weight will be able to notice the benefits of the diet if they follow all nutritional recommendations, eliminate the possibility of breakdowns, normalize their daily routine and eat strictly 3 times a day.

Principles of the Korean food system

The Korean diet is usually designed for thirteen days, but you cannot switch to it from a regular diet right away. First, a certain period of preparation is required. Usually a week is allocated for this phase. Starting from the first day, gradually reduce the consumption of products made from white flour, high in sugar and salt. Three times during the preparatory week, immediately after sleep in the morning, drink 0.5 liters of water. When the diet itself begins, the basis of nutrition will be rice - unpeeled.

After the diet is completed, it is recommended to follow the norms of separate nutrition for twenty days, and fermented milk products and many others from the list of exceptions are introduced gradually.

Sometimes households are confused by the meager portion sizes, but it should be understood that losing excess weight is often associated with strict restrictions!

Minuses

All diets have disadvantages, and almost every third person who loses weight notes them for themselves. Korean diets for weight loss are no exception; the negative aspects of following them are:

• No snacking
• Complete refusal of salt and sugar,
• Difficulties in following the diet in the first days,
• Constant feeling of hunger
• Giving up favorite foods
• Possibility of breakdowns due to severe dietary restrictions.

The presence of disadvantages in a diet does not mean that only a few will be able to withstand it. The main thing is to set a goal and successfully move towards achieving it. Just 14 days and the result will be there.

The essence of the technique

The technique was developed by Korean nutritionists. The basis of the diet is the refusal of sugar and any sweeteners, alcohol (in particular, canned beer), confectionery, salt and flour. The Korean diet for weight loss lasts 13-14 days and as a result, a weight loss of 5 kilograms is observed, metabolism and digestive processes improve. The legs and hips “lose weight” noticeably, since these are the most problematic areas for most women.

Nutritionists argue that such a system is quite difficult to follow, since the caloric content of the diet is strictly limited. In contrast to this statement, it should be noted that the menu is very varied and balanced. Next, let's look at several diet options for Korean girls.

Asian diet collection

A variety of weight loss methods will help you choose the most ideal option, thanks to which you will find the figure of your dreams without wasting time and effort.

Option 1

The Korean method is designed for 2-3 months. During this time, fat will leave your body evenly, and your body will not experience stress. You need to exclude sugar, salt, alcohol and fatty foods from your usual menu, switching to proper nutrition with the addition of fish, rice and vegetables.

In this option, there is no clear division of dishes by day; prepare low-calorie dishes yourself and whenever you want. To make it easier for you to navigate, we will give examples by week.

1 week2 week

By the way, it is recommended to eat 3 times a day, but if you feel hungry, then without any twinges of conscience, eat a vegetable or fruit of your choice.

This is what your weight loss will look like within 2 months. This type of diet is approved by experts because the nutrition appears balanced. Over the entire period, 5 to 7 kg are lost.

Only fat from the sides and abdomen will be lost, and not water and muscles, as with express methods.

Option 2

The second method is much shorter and lasts only 14 days, however, the restrictions are stricter. The diet almost completely excludes carbohydrates. There is also a meager breakfast and no snacks allowed. During the whole day you will sit at the table only 3 times.

The menu includes dishes of lean fish with chicken fillet and vegetables, and brown rice.

You'll have to forget about white rice, buckwheat, tomatoes, peppers, legumes and dairy products - they contain complex carbohydrates.

In a short time you will lose 3 kg, but the result will be more difficult to maintain, since not only fat, but also fluid will leave the body.

Option 3

This system involves losing weight on rice for two weeks. For those who are turning to the Korean method for the first time, this time will be enough to get to know the diet.

So, the basis of nutrition is red or brown rice with the addition of fish, chicken, vegetables and fruits. Organize 3 meals a day to get rid of fat from the sides and waist.

The Korean rice diet is a tough weight loss that takes about 3 kg.

Lose weight in 13 days

As for a longer diet, this is an effective way to lose weight quickly. The main thing is that you don’t have to overexert yourself to achieve your goal. Try the diet for 13 days and you will succeed.

Slimness menu:

If you reach the end, you will lose noticeable weight. The Korean technique promises to preserve the results for a long time.

Menu options

The Korean method provides two menu options. One is designed for 14 days, the other lasts for 2-3 months and is more gentle.

First

This weight loss option is designed for 2-3 months:

• breakfast: ginger chips and water with lemon juice added.
• snack (before lunch): 2 boiled eggs, greens and broccoli (pickled).
• lunch: steamed white fish, vegetable salad dressed with oil and lemon juice, a small portion of brown rice or specially processed wheat (bulgur).
• dinner: 200 grams of boiled shrimp with hot sauce, pieces of chicken fillet (about 150 grams) and smoothie (celery + cucumber + tomato + greens).

Important: Dairy products are prohibited for two weeks, but after this time you can include yogurt or goat's milk in your diet.

Second

The bottom line is the exclusion of all foods containing complex carbohydrates and three meals a day. Duration of weight loss 14 days:

• breakfast: black coffee, crackers;
• lunch: any vegetable salad, Korean carrots are also allowed on the diet;
• dinner: 200 grams of chicken fillet or boiled fish.

For slimming legs and thighs

This diet option will help make your body and legs slim. The method is strict, but allows you to lose up to 6 kg in 30 days. The menu for the entire weight loss period looks like this:

• breakfast: 2 bananas, 400 grams of water;
• afternoon: boiled lean meat with vegetables;
• evening: rice (preferably brown) with vegetables.

In between, you can drink unlimited amounts of water.

by Yoon Eun Hyo

This is a gentle option for losing weight on your legs and thighs. Up to 3 kg of excess weight is lost per week. Be sure to consume 170 grams of boiled rice 3 times a day and supplement it with:

• for breakfast: bean soup; kimchi;
• for lunch: crab soup, boiled beans, kimchi;
• for dinner: stewed mushrooms, kimchi.

Kimchi is spicy, red pepper, pickled cabbage or radish leaves. The dish speeds up metabolism, slows down aging and promotes rapid weight loss.

You can eat soups made from any seafood. Salty, sweet and alcohol are strictly prohibited. Unlimited water.

Idols

Young stars are called idols in Korea. They are very careful about their appearance and weight. A time-tested and nutritionist-tested menu helps them stay slim. Below are the 2 most popular diets.

Menu from singer Kahi:

• breakfast: banana, natural yogurt, coffee;
• lunch: seaweed soup, rice and fish;
• dinner: 1/2 pcs. sweet pepper, half a boiled egg white, celery or greens.

Idol Diet “Glass”: 3 times a day, consume 2/3 cup - boiled rice, 1/3 cup vegetables. Salt and sugar are prohibited.

You are allowed to drink water and green tea.

Quitting the Korean Diet

Due to the specific features of the Eastern weight loss method, adaptation to the previous diet should occur slowly. Otherwise, the excess weight that you so successfully lost will return in no time. Here are some principles for gradually exiting the Korean diet:

• increasing the energy value of the daily menu by 100 kcal per day;
• achieving this through the inclusion of healthy foods in the diet;
• refusal of fried, flour, fatty and sweet foods until the calorie standard is reached (about 2000-2500 kcal);
• gradual increase in food portions;
• adding two snacks to the main meals, the role of which should be performed by fermented milk drinks and products, dried fruits and fresh fruits, nuts, berries;
• daily consumption of 1.5-2 liters of purified water without gas.

The diet during the first week of quitting the Korean diet should not be adjusted.

Ideally, salt should not be introduced into the diet, but this, of course, is impossible. So, after leaving the diet, do not be surprised by the return of 1-2 kg of weight. This effect is produced by sodium-bound fluid in the tissues, and not by accumulated fat deposits.

Finally, a few words should be said about what reviews about the Korean diet are available on the Internet. They are very different. Some are completely delighted with the technique, while others scold the nutrition system. People’s complaints about the method of losing weight are mainly of the following nature: “causes enormous harm to the entire body”, “haunts hunger”, “tasteless without salt”, “weakness and dizziness during a diet”, “difficult for those with a sweet tooth”; “you need willpower” because “it’s difficult to endure.” However, the high efficiency of the Korean nutrition system is confirmed by everyone who has used it in practice.

The essence

The concept of “Korean diet” includes a fairly large number of different weight loss programs, which differ from each other in the severity of the diet and the duration of compliance - from 13 days to one month. Many of them are too harsh by Russian standards and can even be harmful to health due to their very low calorie content. Along with this, there are more gentle options, one of which was developed by Korean doctors and approved by the Ministry of Health of this country.

Losing weight on the diet of Korean doctors is considered quite balanced and absolutely safe. Despite the relatively low calorie content of the menu, it contains all the necessary components, which ensures maximum benefits from the meal. Compared to other varieties of this technique, weight loss occurs slowly, which does not create stress for the body and does not cause the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin after a sharp decrease in body volume. The only downside is the rather long wait for visible results. Therefore, most people who want to lose weight choose more rigorous and short-term methods of losing weight on the Korean diet, which allow them to quickly gain a slim figure.

Attention! Due to the significant reduction in the amount of food consumed in short Korean diets, such methods are very difficult to follow and stressful for the body. It should be borne in mind that too strict restrictions on food do not always lead to positive results, so the sacrifices made may be in vain.

Many of those who have tried to lose weight using one of these methods note that it is almost impossible to complete a week-long course without failure, and even a completely healthy person may need the help of a gastroenterologist or another doctor. After all, this way of eating does more harm and is much more difficult to tolerate than complete fasting, which is considered curative by many experts. Moreover, the results achieved most often do not last long, which is typical for most harsh methods.

Therefore, experts recommend giving preference to longer and gentler options for losing weight on the Korean diet. After all, all gentle weight loss programs that came from Korea are essentially no different from any other similar methods. Each of them is based on the same principles: proper nutrition, physical activity and responsibility for one’s health.

The benefits of using the Korean diet for weight loss are due to its connection to traditional national cuisine. Using exclusively healthy foods in the diet in a special combination and in moderation allows you to achieve the following results:

• speed up metabolic processes;
• increase activity, endurance, performance;
• gently cleanse the intestines;
• remove toxins, waste, decay products;
• improve the functioning of the digestive system.

If we talk about the classic version proposed by Korean doctors, then the main advantage of such a diet is the safety of the results obtained. At the same time, the expected weight loss for the entire period is on average 4–6 extra kilograms. After switching to a daily diet, body weight may increase slightly due to the return of salt to the diet and the restoration of water-salt balance.

The rules for losing weight on the Korean diet are the same for all its varieties and are as follows:

• eat food with pleasure, slowly, enjoying every portion;
• drink 1 liter of clean water per day, including 1 glass with each meal;
• eat three times a day, having dinner no later than 19:00 or no less than 4 hours before bedtime;
• give up sugar and its substitutes, alcoholic beverages, salt.

It is recommended to repeat any weight loss option in Korean at intervals of at least 2–3 months. But for complete recovery of the body, especially for overweight people, it may take about six months.

How do Korean stars lose weight?

This diet is designed for only 13 days, but during this time you can significantly lose weight and improve your body health. This course will help normalize metabolism and “rebuild” it to the desired mode of operation, in which weight gain will not occur, and all nutrients will be absorbed much better and faster.

According to the authors of the diet, the results obtained using this method of weight loss last for a long time. And the Korean diet 13 days, reviews of which blew up the entire Internet, cannot remain without your attention.

One of the most important rules of the diet is a ban on flour, salt, sugar, alcoholic beverages and confectionery. How do Korean actresses and, in general, all actors and celebrities lose weight? Of course, limiting or deleting for yourself those products whose KBJU clearly exceeds the norm. Because of this taboo, the Korean diet may seem quite difficult to follow for many, especially those with a potential sweet tooth.

1st day:

• breakfast - a cup of strong black coffee without sugar and milk;
• lunch - a few soft-boiled or hard-boiled eggs, boiled cabbage salad, seasoned with a small amount of vegetable oil;
• dinner - a glass of tomato juice without salt and spices.

Day 2:

• breakfast - a cup of strong black coffee without sugar and milk, one cracker;
• lunch - boiled or fried fish, fresh vegetable salad, seasoned with vegetable oil;
• dinner - a glass of low-fat kefir and 100 grams of boiled beef meat without fat.

3rd day:

• breakfast - a cup of strong black coffee without sugar and milk;
• lunch - a large zucchini fried in vegetable oil;
• dinner - fresh white cabbage salad, a few boiled eggs, some boiled beef.

4th day:

• breakfast - a cup of strong black coffee without sugar and milk;
• lunch - raw chicken egg, 3 boiled carrots with a small amount of vegetable oil;
• dinner - any fresh fruit.

Day 5:

• breakfast - salad of raw carrots and lemon juice;
• lunch - boiled or fried fish, a glass of tomato juice without salt;
• dinner - any fresh fruit.

Day 6:

• breakfast - a cup of strong black coffee without sugar and milk;
• lunch - half a boiled chicken, fresh white cabbage and carrot salad;
• dinner - a few boiled eggs and a raw carrot salad with a small amount of vegetable oil.

Day 7:

• breakfast - a cup of unsweetened tea;
• lunch - any fresh fruit and some boiled beef;
• dinner - any dinner from the previous days to choose from (eggs, cabbage and beef are prohibited).

Day 8: Day 6 menu.

Day 9: Day 5 menu.

Day 10: Day 4 menu.

Day 11: Day 3 menu.

Day 12: Day 2 menu.

Day 13: Day 1 menu.

Most nutritionists and authors of various nutritional systems aimed at losing weight call the Korean diet one of the most difficult to follow. This is due to the fact that it operates on the principle of significantly limiting the caloric content of your diet.

Be that as it may, the Korean diet today remains very popular among many girls seeking to lose weight. Korean diets for losing weight on legs and thighs are very effective, since the main accumulations of subcutaneous fat are in these places in women. Often, such a widespread course is due precisely to the fact that it is quite strict. This does not cast doubt on the effectiveness of the diet of Korean girls. In addition, for many, miniature Korean women are the best proof of the effectiveness of this nutrition system. Korean diet, reviews of which cannot fail to inspire any girl who wants to see herself in good shape.

This type of diet can also be classified as a diet for teenagers. Respecting the teenager’s wishes and strong addiction to this or that product, so as not to traumatize his psyche and not cause him a feeling of limitations. Don't forget to exercise and maintain your body's fluid balance. First, create a menu for him for the week, and as a result of observations, schedule everything for the month. The main thing is to always remember that a child takes an example from his parents, and before blaming him, you need to think about where you yourself stumbled or gave up.

K-pop: the secret of the global popularity of Korean groups and why they are loved in Russia

The phenomenon of Hallyu (Korean Wave) is amazing. In just a few years, the local popularity of musical groups has grown into world fame. More and more people know names that are difficult for Russian and Western ears by heart, their clips are shown on television, the faces of artists appear on the covers of magazines. How did they do it?

Korean culture in Russia

The interest in K-pop culture in Russia is enormous. Korean artists are regularly brought to Moscow; fans from our country are very interested in them. And Korean holidays bring together not only members of local Korean communities, but also so-called K-poppers.

On October 11, the celebration of Korean Independence Day took place in St. Petersburg. Typically, the liberation of the Korean people from Japanese rule is celebrated on August 15, but this year, due to the pandemic, it was decided to postpone the event and combine it with another important autumn harvest festival - Chuseok. This is a big national family holiday, when the younger ones pay tribute to the elders, go to visit, and celebrate the holiday at a large table with traditional dishes.

At the festival, guests were invited to take part in master classes on K-pop, taste Korean food, learn the traditional art of paper crafts, try on national costumes and try themselves as idols. Especially for this purpose, dance lessons were held, where they showed movements characteristic of Korean artists.

“We held one of the events this Saturday, organizing a small Korea in the center of St. Petersburg. There were fairs on cooking, Korean art, and playing national instruments at the site. And I would like to pay special attention to the K-pop master classes. This phenomenon attracts a lot of St. Petersburg residents and not only. He has become popular all over the world, thanks to his energy, charisma... Fashion, which is carried by performers of K-pop dances and songs,” emphasizes the President of the Korean National Cultural Autonomy (KNKA) Dmitry Pak.

The organizers also recalled the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and South Korea. The event was held with the support of the Consulate General of the Country of Morning Freshness, so that residents of the Northern capital had the opportunity to learn about the culture, history and modern life of the country, said Dmitry Kim, director of the Korean National Cultural Autonomy (KNKA).

“We give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Korean culture and feel a little bit like you’re traveling without leaving St. Petersburg. And we are proud to be part of such a multifaceted and multinational city,” emphasizes Dmitry Kim.

“Thirty years is not a long time, but you see that the relations between our two countries—political, economic, and cultural—are all developing,” says Consul General of the Republic of Korea in St. Petersburg Kwon Dong Seok.

The events really don't end in 2021. It is planned to hold the annual Korean Fest, Eastern New Year, and also to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Nan Korean Cultural Center.

Where it all started

The K-pop genre originated in South Korea in the early 90s. At first, this was a phenomenon exclusively for teenagers and young people, while adults could only be amazed. Even then, crowds of fans followed the main stars, guarding them at their houses and skipping school for the sake of their favorite concerts.

It was then that they began to be called idols - from the English idol, “deity.” This is how they are treated in Korea and other Asian countries. Artists are expected to be impeccable not only on stage, but also in life. Therefore, contracts with many performers include a ban on love relationships with girls. It's not uncommon for a band's ticket and merchandise sales to plummet when it's discovered that a teenage girls' favorite is having an affair.

That's when everything started happening. By the early 2000s, the popularity of Korean groups began to spread beyond Korea. They set themselves the goal of conquering Oricon, a Japanese chart considered the most prestigious in Asia. They began to succeed in this with ease. And then they reached the international level.

It all started with small concerts abroad for fans - in the USA and Europe. In 2012, Park Jae Sang - aka PSY - released the viral hit Gangnam Style. It is believed that it was he who attracted interest in K-pop culture, although it was intended as a parody of the world of Korean idols.

www.globallookpress/Wang Peng

And now they fill stadiums there and take first place in music ratings. The BTS group managed to set a world record on the TikTok platform - in just three and a half hours from the moment of registering their account, they gained a million subscribers there, and after another ten - already two million.

Is it easy to become an idol?

Being a star in Korea is not easy. Perfection is expected from stars, especially if they cannot find it in their own lives. Those who dream of the stage become students at major labels at the age of 12-14, spending several years endlessly rehearsing, dancing, and improving. Many people drop out of school for this.

The average age for artists to debut in Korea is 16-24 years old. There are exceptions, but less often, because in Korea there is compulsory military service, and 28 years is the deadline to join the army. So young singers need to build a fan base before then. Those who fail to do this are often denied access to the stage after the service.

In addition, there are strict beauty standards. When signing a contract, artists often agree to follow a strict diet, conform to a certain image, and undergo plastic surgery. There are stars whose appearance has changed beyond recognition since they were in school.

Girls also have a hard time - they have to be slim, gentle, airy. Facial plastic surgery, exhausting diets and a ban on relationships with men are not as scary as the age limit.

Officially, they are not required to conquer all of Korea by the age of 28, but women over 30, especially in girl groups, are no longer popular with the audience, and they are simply getting rid of them. And the fact that official age is considered differently in Korea makes life even more difficult. According to tradition, newborns are already considered one year old, and with each new year they immediately gain a year. So a baby born in December is considered two years old in January.

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And still, many go for it, because becoming a star in Korea is not easy. There is too much competition. It is believed that out of a thousand students, no more than 40-50 musicians emerge, and not all of them can maintain popularity.

The price of success

Even idols who have achieved fame are not immune to failure. The power of fans' love in Korea is as great as the power of their hatred if they feel betrayed. The phenomenon of “anti-fans” is very developed in the country; they are actively involved in bullying. And not only each other, but also former favorites.

Last year, everyone was shocked by the death of singer Sulli. She was found dead at home - suicide. It is believed that she did this because of the endless nagging addressed to her. Soon, another singer, Goo Hara, committed suicide and was also bullied online.

What is the secret of K-pop's popularity?

Perhaps much of the credit for this lies in the Korean pop industry's openness to modern technology. Idols initially actively explored Korean and international social networks, started personal blogs, and communicated with fans.

In addition, we must not forget about fan service - when stars do what their fans like. In addition, digital technologies made it possible to attract fans not only from Korea, but also from other countries. And so it happened - in the early 2000s, few Internet geeks knew about K-pop, but now there is not a teenager who has not heard about Korean idols, even if he does not listen to such music.

www.globallookpress.com/Efren Landaos

K-pop is also supported by the state. According to statistics, in 2021, every 13th foreigner came to South Korea because of the group BTS. Korean idols are the faces of tourism programs; they help to get acquainted with the culture of the country and its modern life through their videos, TV series and films.

Russian "K-pop"

Famous music producer Maxim Fadeev could not ignore the popularity of the K-pop phenomenon. He decided to create his own group INKI from five Kazakh idols. He selected them according to the canons of Korean show business, relying on the experience of his foreign colleagues. And while many K-poppers thought it was plagiarism, in South Korea the news was greeted positively and the result was highly appreciated.

Instagram @the.inki

Fadeev also decided to give all the group members nicknames - as is done in some Korean boy bands. They received the names Era, Aizen, Ayu, Eim and Ash to make them easier to remember both in Russia and in the West. All of them were transported to live in Moscow.

INKI’s debut video was released in December 2021, becoming the first for the MALFA label relaunched by Fadeev. Representatives of the company then reported that they decided to test the viability of the idol project in the Russian Federation.

Recently, Fadeev announced that he was letting the group float freely, refusing to produce it. But the team has already gained popularity and continued its work.

Earlier, 5-tv.ru wrote about Maxim Fadeev’s reaction to Agutin’s Grammy nomination.