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Singer Park Seo-jin reveals 11kg weight gain due to tanghulu and late-night snacks
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Health & Science

Singer Park Seo-jin reveals 11kg weight gain due to tanghulu and late-night snacks

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Singer Park Seo-jin revealed he gained 11 kilograms (approximately 24 pounds) in five months.
  • He attributed the weight gain to resuming consumption of high-calorie foods like 'tanghulu' (candied fruit skewers) and late-night snacks after a period of dieting.
  • The article explains how a break from dieting and consuming sugary or high-calorie foods can lead to rapid weight gain and the 'yo-yo effect'.

South Korean singer Park Seo-jin has shared a surprising personal update: he has gained 11 kilograms (about 24 pounds) over the past five months. The 30-year-old artist revealed the cause of his significant weight increase during a recent appearance on the KBS2 entertainment show 'Immortal Songs 2026 King of Kings Special'.

Park explained that he had temporarily let go of his diet, indulging in high-calorie treats. "I ate tanghulu and a lot of late-night snacks, and gained 11 kilograms," he admitted. Tanghulu, a popular snack consisting of fruit coated in hardened sugar syrup, and late-night meals are often high in sugar and calories.

The article elaborates on the physiological reasons behind such rapid weight gain. When individuals stop restricting their food intake after a period of dieting, hormonal balances that regulate appetite can shift, leading to increased hunger. This can sometimes trigger a binge-eating response due to a 'compensation mentality,' resulting in the yo-yo effect where weight is quickly regained.

Consuming foods high in sugar, like tanghulu, causes blood sugar levels to spike, prompting a surge in insulin. Elevated insulin levels can then signal the body to store excess energy as fat, contributing to rapid weight gain. Similarly, late-night eating increases overall caloric intake, naturally leading to weight gain. High-calorie, high-sodium options like chicken, pizza, and ramen are particularly detrimental.

Beyond weight gain, consistent late-night eating can disrupt sleep patterns, cause heartburn, and increase the risk of chronic health conditions. Health experts generally recommend finishing meals at least two to three hours before bedtime to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

I ate tanghulu and a lot of late-night snacks, and gained 11 kilograms.

โ€” Park Seo-jinExplaining the reason for his recent weight gain on the show 'Immortal Songs'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.