From 100kg to Self-Love: 'Divorce Consideration Camp' Diet Couple's Turbulent Journey—Pregnancy, Fasting, and a Battle for Identity

The Shocking Start: Weight as a Relationship Barrier

Did you know that the 'Diet Couple' from JTBC's 'Divorce Consideration Camp' were once best friends for eight years before becoming a couple? Their relationship began with a shocking condition: Seunghoon Lee, the husband, told Sooyoung Jung she needed to lose 20kg in three months if she wanted to date him. At the time, Sooyoung weighed over 100kg, and this demand was both a test and a reflection of Lee's deep-seated appearance standards. This moment set the tone for their future together, where weight and looks would become central issues.
Such blunt expectations are not uncommon in Korean society, where appearance and body image are often linked to personal value. For international fans, it's important to recognize how Korea's beauty standards can deeply influence romantic and marital relationships, sometimes leading to emotional wounds that are hard to heal.

Extreme Weight Loss and the Price of Love

Sooyoung responded to her husband's challenge with incredible determination, losing over 45kg and ultimately achieving a slim figure that matched his preferences. This transformation was not just physical but emotional—she became more attentive, caring, and supportive, hoping to win his affection. Their marriage followed, but the underlying tension around weight never disappeared.
Even after their wedding, Sooyoung continued to monitor her weight obsessively, a habit fueled by years of pressure and Lee's ongoing comments about her appearance. The couple's story resonates with many viewers who have experienced similar struggles with self-worth and external expectations. In Korea, reality shows like 'Divorce Consideration Camp' often expose these hidden dynamics, sparking heated debates about the true meaning of love and acceptance.

Pregnancy, Fasting, and the Fear of Gaining Weight

The conflict reached new heights when Sooyoung became pregnant. Despite being 14 weeks along, she declared her intention to fast, terrified of gaining back the weight she had worked so hard to lose. Lee, while initially supportive, was shocked by her refusal to eat properly, especially given the needs of their unborn child. He remarked, 'Fasting during pregnancy is nonsense,' expressing concern for both his wife and their baby.
This scenario highlights a broader issue in Korean culture: the intense pressure on women to maintain a certain appearance, even during pregnancy. For many international fans, it may be surprising to see such extreme body image anxieties persist in a time that is supposed to be about health and nurturing. The couple's struggle has sparked conversations online about the dangers of prioritizing looks over well-being.

Verbal Abuse and the Breaking Point

Lee's harsh words have become a focal point of public outrage. He has made comments like, 'Is it possible for a woman to weigh over 100kg?' and even joked about locking his door at night to avoid being 'attacked' by his wife. These statements, broadcast nationwide, have drawn sharp criticism from viewers and experts alike.
On the show, psychologist Hosun Lee confronted him directly, saying, 'Sometimes you need to keep your mouth shut.' Many fans see this as a wake-up call, challenging the normalization of verbal abuse and body shaming in relationships. The couple's story has become a lightning rod for discussions about respect, empathy, and the real cost of toxic standards.

A Wife's Rebellion: From Self-Sacrifice to Self-Assertion

After years of sacrificing for her husband's approval, Sooyoung began to reclaim her sense of self. She openly declared her desire to appear on dating shows like 'I Am Solo' or 'Single's Inferno,' signaling that she no longer felt bound by his expectations. 'If we break up, I have nothing to lose,' she said, reflecting a newfound confidence rooted in her hard-won transformation.
This shift resonates with many Korean women who are choosing to prioritize their own happiness and self-worth over traditional roles. The couple's Instagram account, @100kgbubu, has become a platform for Sooyoung to share her journey, inspiring fans both in Korea and abroad to question societal norms and embrace their own identities.

Plastic Surgery, Social Media, and the Quest for Perfection

Sooyoung's journey didn't stop at weight loss. She has undergone multiple cosmetic procedures, including facial contouring and breast surgery, in pursuit of the 'perfect' look. This aspect of her story reflects a broader trend in Korea, where cosmetic enhancements are widely accepted and even celebrated. For international fans, it's a window into the pressures faced by Korean women—not just from partners, but from society at large.
On social media, Sooyoung presents a polished, confident image, but her story on 'Divorce Consideration Camp' reveals the hidden costs of this pursuit. The contrast between online appearances and real-life struggles has sparked empathy and debate among viewers, highlighting the need for more honest conversations about beauty, self-acceptance, and mental health.

Cultural Insight: Why This Story Resonates in Korea and Beyond

The 'Diet Couple' saga has struck a nerve in Korea, where issues of body image, marriage, and gender roles are hotly debated. For international fans, understanding this context is key to appreciating the emotional intensity of their story. In Korea, reality TV often serves as a mirror for societal anxieties, giving voice to those who feel trapped by impossible standards.
The couple's journey is more than just entertainment—it's a reflection of the cultural pressures that shape relationships, self-esteem, and even the choices people make about their bodies. As fans around the world follow their story, they're invited to reflect on their own experiences and consider what true love and acceptance really mean.