Tears of a 1.63m tall singer weighing only 37kg, whose doctor once advised her to give up on her chance of survival.
The singer’s current condition has sparked concern on social media.
Recently, Yena (Choi Yena) has gone viral across Kpop and the internet thanks to her newly released song, “Catch Catch.” The song’s appeal lies in its playful, catchy melody and adorable concept, reminiscent of second-generation groups like T-ARA. Building on this success, Yena launched her 2026 YENA LIVE TOUR, with its first stop in Seoul. On April 4th and 5th, she met with fans at Blue Square (Yongsangu), performing songs from her solo career after the disbandment of IZ*ONE.

Here, a clip unexpectedly went viral thanks to Yena’s sharing about her weight. She burst into tears due to the pressure, saying she didn’t want to lose so much weight. Sobbing, she said, “From now on, I’ll eat really well, gain a lot of weight, and work out diligently. Do I look like a primary school student?”

The clip capturing Yena crying while interacting with fans has garnered over 8 million views on X.

Earlier this year, Yena shocked fans by revealing her current weight was between 37-39kg. Despite not dieting, Yena experienced rapid weight loss, to the point where even her frequently worn ring no longer fit on her finger. Looking at Yena, people were concerned because the idol is now alarmingly thin, with bony arms and legs, lacking vitality. Compared to a year ago, Yena has undergone an unbelievable transformation in appearance.

Yena shocks netizens by revealing her current weight is between 37-39kg (Image: IG)

For a girl who is 1.63m tall and weighs only 37kg, Yena’s current situation has caused concern among netizens. Many opinions question whether work pressure and a demanding schedule are the direct causes, and advise Yena to rest and dedicate more time to herself to recover her physical condition. This has sparked lively discussions about the strict beauty standards in Kpop and society in general.

Many generations of idols, especially female ones, have had to maintain an almost unrealistically slim figure to fit the stage and camera image in the Korean entertainment industry. This pressure comes not only from their management companies but also from audience preferences. The fact that an artist, even without dieting, loses weight rapidly, yet feels anxious and has to reassure fans, shows that this standard is not just about beauty but has become an invisible burden.

Many generations of female idols have had to maintain an almost unrealistically slim figure to fit the stage and camera image in the Korean entertainment industry (Image: iG)

Yena, born in 1999, was known as one of the members of the project group IZ*ONE, a crucial stepping stone that helped her make an impression on Kpop fans. Possessing a bright image, positive energy, and a lively personality, Yena quickly became the “vitamin” of the group throughout their time together. Prior to that, she also participated in the survival show Produce 48 and gained attention for her confident demeanor, unique personality, and strong singing, rapping, and dancing abilities.

Yena was once a member of the project group IZ*ONE (Image: Pinterest)

After IZ*ONE disbanded, Yena shifted to a solo career and gradually shaped her own musical style. Her releases often feature catchy melodies, cute and slightly playful concepts, creating a relatable yet striking image in the competitive K-pop market. Songs like Smiley, Smartphone, and more recently, Catch Catch, all demonstrate consistency in her personal brand direction.

Beyond her music career, Yena has appeared on numerous entertainment television shows, showcasing her diverse appeal as an entertainer. She is currently one of the most prominent female solo singers in Kpop, with her music widely received, stable album sales, and high recognition.

Yena’s solo career has been incredibly successful (Image: Star News)

As a child, Yena suffered from leukemia at a high level. The severity of her condition was such that doctors at the time assessed her chances of survival as very low and advised her family to prepare themselves and consider stopping treatment to end Yena’s persistent pain. This incident plunged the idol’s family into an extremely difficult situation, with the cost of treatment being exorbitant while their financial resources were limited.

To continue her treatment, her parents had to wake up early in the morning, make kimbap themselves, and sell it on the street. Each small roll of rice became a precious source of income to cover hospital fees and medication. Yena’s childhood was therefore intertwined with hospitals, prolonged treatments, and memories of her parents’ unwavering sacrifice, who never gave up hope. After a period of courageous battle with illness, the singer miraculously recovered, overcoming the brink of death to continue pursuing her life and career.

As a child, she suffered from a serious form of leukemia, which caused her family’s finances to collapse (Photo: Naver)