Some pointed to the timing as a possible reason.
Koreaboo
49 minutes ago
I-DLE‘s Soyeon has drawn criticism after a recent post went viral.
I-DLE’s Soyeon | Vogue Korea
K-Pop idols often share their meals, whether for product placement or to share their personal tastes. For example, BTS Jungkook‘s ramen recipe went viral, and fans loved watching the idol eat, though on some occasions, the meals shared have had an opposite effect.
The infamous “Inkigayo sandwiches” are one such example of a food shared by idols that did not go over so well.
NCT’s Jungwoo Disgusts The Entire Internet With A Single Photo Of His Meal
Usually, these are humorous discussions but the one surrounding Soyeon’s post is more serious.
On April 19, the idol shared a photo on her Instagram story of a plate which consisted of two slices of some sort of fruit, a piece of broccoli, and a handful of rice.
After it was posted, many reacted to the image with negative comments, viewing her post as Soyeon showing what her meal was. The small amount of food on the plate also sparked accusations that the idol was “promoting” disordered eating.
why would she post this https://t.co/OOmgxAOmJo
— idle pr manager (@westsidejeons) April 19, 2026
Kpop idols have gotten way too comfortable lately promoting eating disorders https://t.co/64ldmXbojR
— tyler catastrophe (@alexwebberwife) April 19, 2026
saying this as someone who used to struggle and brag about my disordered eating. these idols too fucking grown and influential to be doing this 😭 https://t.co/1PNOk7gQmG
— rae🪽 (@leephens) April 19, 2026
On the other hand, fans of the idol and others have defended her, sharing possible explanations and pointing out that it is a serious issue that goes beyond K-Pop idols.
Considering the fact that it was 5/6am and if she’s gonna eat throughout the day, that portion is fine. My tummy can’t take heavy/loaded breakfast 🤷either. And I’m not skinny or trying to lose weight.. But if kpop stans wanna get real, ok. https://t.co/j8GvRIgDZj
— FoundSheep* (@Dynamitesheep) April 19, 2026
kinda impressed by how everyone turns into raging radical feminists when soyeon posts one meal of hers at 5am when she has done more for women than they ever will be sitting behind a screen spreading hate
— tangle tangle ♀ (@iceblueleebit) April 19, 2026
Okay maybe I’m just stupid but I don’t get how this is promoting eds? Also this photo doesn’t have any context to it, it could be a half eaten plate, it could be a light snack after a meal, we don’t know. pic.twitter.com/fUhxxzv8yk
— Amethyst 🫧🐝 (@nev1esomnia) April 19, 2026
making this a silly comparison when it should be about concern for another woman obviously not eating healthily. Like you people are not serious. They are all victims of a gross industry and unfair expectations https://t.co/ynHFw7KM4P
— LIL WAIST (@lilwaistttt) April 19, 2026