Introduction

In a candid revelation, MAMAMOO's Hwa Sa recently opened up about her frustrations with weight restrictions imposed by her label CEO. During her appearance on the September 17th episode of the popular YouTube series 'Neighborhood Star K', she recounted her childhood days and shared how her nickname, "gangster wife," came about. The nickname reflected her fierce character, as she often stood up against boys who bullied girls, showing her strong-willed nature from an early age.

Struggles with Body Standards

Hwa Sa also took fans down memory lane as she discussed her trainee days with the company, where the pressure to conform to certain body standards was intense. She recalled being required to shed significant weight, having to drop from 60kg (132.3lbs) to just 48kg (105.8lbs). After tremendous effort, she reached 49kg (108lbs) but was still warned that she might be cut from the program if she didn't meet the expectations.

A Brave Confrontation

Feeling frustrated and disheartened by the arbitrary standards, Hwa Sa bravely confronted her agency's CEO about the situation. To her surprise, rather than being reprimanded, her boldness impressed him, strengthening their relationship.

Turning Struggles into Art

This encounter inspired her to channel her emotions into her music, leading her to write the empowering song "It's My Choice," which reflects her journey of self-acceptance and defiance against societal pressures.

Conclusion

Hwa Sa's story not only sheds light on the harsh realities of the K-pop industry but also highlights her resilience and determination to advocate for herself and her beliefs. Fans are encouraged to watch her heartfelt interview, where she shares more insights about her life and career decisions. This powerful narrative serves as a reminder of the often unseen struggles that idols face behind the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, igniting discussions about mental health and body positivity in the industry.