Top Idol’s Heated Rant Against Beauty Standards Goes Viral

The K-Pop industry is often talked about for its strict and arbitrary standards, especially for female idols. However, it is rare for idols to actually speak up against it or highlight the hypocrisy behind it all.  However, one female idol, a member of a top girl group and also an extremely successful soloist, did it publicly and boldly.

The idol in question is Girls’ Generation member Taeyeon.

The idol’s past social media rant about the impossible standards imposed on female idols has resurfaced, stirring up heated discussions. The post, originally made in 2021, was in response to hate comments when the idol made her comeback with the single “Weekend.”

In the surprisingly bold post, Taeyeon wrote, “Since people will criticize you no matter what, it’s best to just live life on your own terms.”

If you’re fat, they’ll call you fat. If you’re thin, they’ll say you look sick. Wear loose clothes and you look like a guy. Wear tight ones, and they say you look sl*tty. If you eat a lot, they call you a pig. If you eat little, they say you’re picky. If you like designer brands, you’re a gold digger. If you like budget brands, they say you don’t know how to dress. Since people will criticize you no matter what, it’s best to just live life on your own terms.

— Taeyeon

This post’s sudden revival on online communities has sparked charged discussions about how little has changed in the last five years, not just for female idols but for women in general.

• “Real.”
• “I wonder how much she’s had to endure after being in this industry for so long. I just hope Taeyeon can feel at ease, without worrying about the reactions or gazes of those around her.”

• “For real. I absolutely agree.”
• “When I see stuff like that, it really makes me feel like society is messed up. People bitch and moan no matter what you do.”
• “Lately, whenever I look at the comments on Shorts or Reels, that’s exactly the vibe I get.”

• “There are probably some unhinged people who will find something to complain about after seeing that, too. It’s exhausting.”
• “IU said something similar to this, too. I agree.”

Girls’ Generation