Fans of Red Velvet‘s Joy have expressed both surprise and concern after the K-pop star recently revealed a significant physical transformation. Photos shared on the singer’s social media in late October 2025 showed a noticeably slimmer figure, sparking widespread online discussion about her health and the reasons behind the sudden change. While some admirers praised her new look, many longtime followers voiced worry about the rapid nature of her weight loss and its potential impact on her well-being.
The Viral Photos That Started the Conversation
On October 22, 2025, Joy posted a series of images on her Instagram account that immediately caught fans’ attention. In the photos, the Red Velvet member appeared significantly thinner, particularly in her limbs and waist, while wearing a form-fitting gray dress. The visual transformation was especially striking when compared to her appearance from earlier in the same year.
The reaction across social media platforms was swift, with one fan capturing the general surprise, writing, “I didn’t even recognize her.. She’s lost so much weight, even her face looks different now.” Another fan expressed concern about the extent of the transformation, noting “For her height she seems to be too thin. I hope she stays healthy…”
A Rapid Transformation
The speed of Joy’s weight loss became a particular point of discussion after a post on the Korean forum Pann went viral, gaining over 25,000 views. The post directly compared Joy’s appearance from her recent stint on the show I Live Alone to airport photos taken just weeks later as she traveled to Japan with Red Velvet members Irene and Seulgi for SMTOWN Tokyo. The side-by-side comparison highlighted a dramatic change in a relatively short timeframe.
One netizen commented on the rapid transformation, observing that “Losing weight so quickly makes her look a lot older.” Others speculated about the potential causes behind such a sudden change, with some suggesting “High stress” or noting “Since she’s going solo, she probably did a quick diet while dealing with the stress.”
Connections to Past Health Discussions
This is not the first time Joy has openly discussed her approach to diet and health. During a November 2024 appearance on MBC’s I Live Alone, the singer had revealed she was following a “blood sugar diet,” which focuses on consuming foods that help stabilize glucose levels. Her described morning routine included lemon water, probiotics, omega-3s, and olive oil.
During that same program, Joy had made revealing comments about her past approach to health, admitting that in her twenties she often “overworked herself and dieted too harshly to meet others’ expectations.” She notably stated that she was working to adopt a more mindful approach to self-care, one that wasn’t driven by external pressures. These past comments have added context to the current concerns fans are expressing about her noticeable weight loss.
Fan Reactions and Concerns
The response to Joy’s transformation has been mixed, with admiration for her discipline tempered by genuine concern for her health. Many fans have connected her weight loss to preparations for her recent solo comeback, acknowledging the intense pressure K-pop idols face to maintain specific physical standards, especially when promoting new music.
One fan commented on the dedication required for such a transformation, saying “It looks like the results didn’t betray her efforts!” Others expressed more protective sentiments, with comments like “Why do I feel worried about how thin she’s getting? Joy unnie, I hope you’re alright..” and “She’s lost way too much weight…”
The conversation has also drawn comparisons to fellow Red Velvet member Wendy, who has previously faced similar concerns from fans regarding her own weight fluctuations. Multiple observers noted that Joy now “looks more and more like Wendy” in her current physique.
Industry Context and Health Considerations
Joy’s situation highlights the ongoing conversation about weight management and body image in the K-pop industry. The pressure on female idols to maintain slim figures remains intense, with comebacks often accompanied by strict diet regimens. While companies rarely comment publicly on artists’ physical changes, the topic frequently generates significant online discussion among fans and critics alike.
Some online discussions have even mentioned the growing trend of weight-loss medications, with one netizen speculating, “These days it seems easy for celebrities to lose weight since Wegovy came out.” However, no evidence suggests Joy has used any such medications, and the singer herself has not disclosed the methods behind her weight loss.
As of late October 2025, neither Joy nor her agency SM Entertainment has made any official statement addressing the fan concerns regarding her weight. The singer continues to prepare for and promote her solo activities amid the growing online conversation about her changed appearance.
Also Read: Red Velvet Irene & Seulgi’s “Tilt” MV Sparks Fan Frenzy With Bold Concept and Tension-Filled Visuals
