Wearing a Fitted Dress and Accused of Having a 'Protruding Belly', Hyeri Responds: Why Must Being Slim Equal Professionalism?

South Korean actress Hyeri recently held a personal fan meeting, but found herself unexpectedly embroiled in a 'belly controversy' due to her stage outfit. The incident originated on the 13th, at the 2026 HYERI ASIA TOUR FANMEETING IN SEOUL held at Samseong Hall, Ewha Womans University in Seoul. On that day, Hyeri performed a number of Girl’s Day classic tracks and popular idol stages, and stepped on stage in several fitted outfits. One such fitted dress, owing to its material, the on-site lighting, and the filming angle, made her abdominal lines look more pronounced. After related footage circulated on social media platforms, it unexpectedly sparked discussion among some netizens about her figure. Some people thought it was just a visual effect caused by the clothing and angle, while others believed her belly protruded more than before. Both sides argued, eventually developing into the so-called 'belly controversy'.

Responds Personally: Actually, I really like myself right now

Facing the heated discussion, according to Korean media outlet TVDAILY, on the 16th Hyeri responded to fans through an online community platform, posting: “Actually, I really like myself right now, but maybe to those watching, this doesn’t seem professional enough.” She then candidly expressed: “But I don’t really understand, why do you have to be thin to look like a professional?”

Source: ettoday