K-Pop idol Choi Yoojung and entertainer Park Se Mi recently disclosed their past use of unregulated diet pills during their time in the entertainment industry. Both performers confirmed that they resorted to the pills to meet weight expectations, citing severe side effects including hallucinations, heart palpitations, and nausea. Their testimonies, shared on the YouTube channel Hi Ssemi, highlight the ongoing pressure on performers to maintain specific body standards.
Why K-Pop Idols Resort to Unregulated Diet Aids
The pressure to maintain a specific appearance often leads performers to seek rapid weight loss methods outside of medical supervision. According to the video “Idols Live the Same Way (ft. Choi Yoojung),” Choi Yoojung began taking diet pills while she was a trainee. She stated that her agency demanded weight loss despite her already being at a normal weight. Because she felt desperate to comply with these company mandates, she chose to use the pills secretly.

Park Se Mi, who also appeared in the video, confirmed a similar experience during her 20s. She noted that while the dangers of such pills are more widely understood today, they were less scrutinized in the past. She viewed the appetite-suppressant qualities of the pills as a professional advantage at the time.
The use of diet pills can interfere with the central nervous system. Both Choi and Park reported physical and psychological symptoms, ranging from dry mouth and dizziness to feeling as though they were being watched or threatened by others.
What Are the Documented Side Effects of Diet Pills?
The side effects reported by these performers align with common medical concerns regarding stimulant-based weight loss aids. Choi Yoojung explicitly listed the following reactions she experienced during her training period:
- Palpitations (irregular heartbeats)
- Nausea and dizziness
- Dry mouth and chronic bad breath
Park Se Mi described a more severe psychological reaction. She recalled a specific instance while staying at a hotel where she suffered from a paranoid episode, feeling as though an unseen person was trying to harm her. This experience serves as a stark example of the potential neurological impact of unregulated substances.
How Industry Standards Are Shifting
The conversation surrounding idol health has moved toward greater transparency in recent years. While agencies historically enforced strict weight management protocols, public discourse—driven by creators like Park Se Mi—is increasingly holding these practices accountable. By speaking openly about the “desperation” caused by corporate weight demands, performers are shedding light on the hidden costs of the K-Pop training system.

FAQ: Understanding Diet Pill Risks in Entertainment
Did Choi Yoojung take diet pills with her agency’s permission?
No. According to her statement, she took the pills secretly because she felt forced to lose weight by the company.
What were the primary side effects mentioned?
The performers reported physical symptoms like palpitations, nausea, and dry mouth, as well as psychological distress including paranoia.
Why is this conversation happening now?
As more performers share their experiences, the public is becoming more aware of the health risks associated with extreme dieting and the psychological pressure placed on trainees.
If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or unhealthy dieting practices, seek guidance from licensed medical professionals rather than relying on unverified supplements.
Have you seen a shift in how entertainment agencies handle performer health? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on industry standards.
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