Hyeri, a singer-turned-actress and former member of the group Girl’s Day, has directly addressed recent criticisms regarding her body shape stemming from her fan meeting stage outfit. As some photos and videos spread online, sparking a so-called “belly fat controversy,” Hyeri shared her thoughts, stating, “I don’t know why being thin is considered the only way to look professional.”
On June 16, Hyeri posted on a fan communication platform, saying, “To be honest, I like myself the way I am, but I understand that onlookers might think it’s not professional.” She added, “We are all beautiful just the way we are. I don’t know why being thin is synonymous with being professional, but if Hyerumi (her fandom name) wants it, I’ll give it a try. I’ll exercise and stay healthy.”
The controversy began following the ‘2026 Hyeri Asia Tour Fan Meeting in Seoul,’ held on June 13 at the Samsung Hall of Ewha Womans University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Photos and videos of Hyeri wearing a slim-fit vintage washing design dress on stage were shared across online communities and social media. Some netizens pointed out that her lower belly appeared prominent, suggesting she needed to manage her body shape.
Silencing the Controversy with Confident Remarks and Behind-the-Scenes Photos
In response, the majority of netizens and fans defended her, arguing that it was merely a temporary optical illusion caused by the fabric and thickness of the outfit, the lighting, and the camera angles. At the same time, many voices criticized the online culture of body evaluation, which applies excessively strict standards to celebrities’ appearances and body types.
Following this, Hyeri posted behind-the-scenes photos from the fan meeting on her Instagram with the caption ‘Night Version.’ In the revealed photos, Hyeri showcased various outfits, including an off-the-shoulder dress, a black leather corset outfit that accentuated her waistline, and a mini dress. Once these pictures were released, the online debate regarding her body shape quickly died down.
Fans rallied behind her with supportive messages, stating, “Evaluating someone’s body parts is completely meaningless,” “Her own health is what matters most,” and “Being skinny should not be the standard of professionalism.”
From Singer to Actress and Entertainer: A Closer Look at Hyeri
Hyeri debuted in 2010 as a member of the girl group Girl’s Day and has since successfully balanced both singing and acting activities.
During her time with Girl’s Day, Hyeri promoted numerous hit songs such as ‘Expectation’, ‘Female President’, ‘Something’, ‘Darling’, and ‘Ring My Bell’. Following their 2010 debut, Girl’s Day left a significant mark on the pop music industry, during which Hyeri balanced both group and solo activities.
Her acting career has been equally robust. Hyeri received widespread acclaim as an actress for her role as Sung Deok-sun in the tvN drama Reply 1988. Since then, she has appeared in various dramas including SBS’s Entertainer, MBC’s Two Cops, tvN’s Miss Lee, tvN’s My Roommate Is a Gumiho, KBS2’s Moonshine, and MBC’s May I Help You?. In 2025, she also starred in the U+Mobiletv series Friendly Rivalry.
She has also expanded her career into film, starring in movies such as Monstrum, My Punch-Drunk Boxer, and Victory. According to her agency’s official profile, her filmography for 2026 includes the upcoming movie Night Fever.
In the field of variety shows, Hyeri has shown great presence in MBC’s Real Men, tvN’s Amazing Saturday, ENA’s HMLYCP, and Netflix’s Agents of Mystery. Her 2026 activities also include the upcoming Agents of Mystery Season 2 on Netflix.
Currently, Hyeri is on her Asia fan meeting tour titled ‘HYERIDE’. Following the Seoul concert on June 13, she is scheduled to continue her tour across major Asian cities, including Macau, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, and Taipei.
