On March 24, 2026, SHINee’s leader Onew made a rare and candid appearance on a YouTube variety program alongside his senior labelmate, TVXQ’s Changmin.
During the episode, Onew finally addressed the significant health concerns that led to his temporary hiatus following the release of SHINee’s eighth studio album in 2023.
Fans had long been worried about the idol’s dramatic weight loss and gaunt appearance during that period, and his recent explanation has provided much-needed clarity on the physiological and lifestyle factors that contributed to his deteriorating condition.
The Impact of an Unbalanced Diet and Extreme Weight Loss
The conversation took a personal turn when the topic of food was introduced. Changmin, expressing his long-standing concern for Onew’s well-being, noted how alarmed he was when Onew’s health seemed to plummet.
Onew admitted that his diet had become dangerously unbalanced, primarily centered on an extreme consumption of sugary foods.
He revealed that his fascination with sweets had reached a point where he believed he could sustain himself on them alone, stating:
“I’ve come to love sweets so much. There was a time I thought I could just live off of sweets. I could survive on just eating cake. My health was deteriorating significantly back then.”
This admission shed light on the physical toll that such a restricted and nutritionally poor diet took on his body.
The rapid weight loss that fans observed was a direct symptom of this “unbalanced diet,” which ultimately forced him to suspend all professional activities to focus on recovery.
Changmin’s reaction during the show mirrored the sentiment of many industry peers and supporters who watched Onew struggle with his physical stamina and appearance during a peak promotional cycle.
A Focus on Regular Exercise and Balanced Nutrition
Fortunately, Onew used the platform to reassure everyone that he has made significant strides in reclaiming his health.
He credited his recovery to a disciplined lifestyle shift, moving away from his reliance on sugar and toward a comprehensive wellness routine.
As he prepares for a busy 2026, Onew emphasized that his current priority is maintaining the progress he has made through consistent effort. He shared his updated routine with Changmin:
“These days, I’m exercising regularly and following a proper diet.”
This newfound stability comes at a crucial time, as Onew is scheduled to hold a solo fan meeting at the KBS Arena next month.
The event is expected to be a celebratory moment for fans who have patiently waited for his full return to the spotlight.
His journey serves as a poignant reminder of the immense pressure idols face to maintain certain aesthetics, sometimes at the cost of their health, and the importance of taking necessary breaks to reset.
As SHINee continues their journey as a veteran group, Onew’s transparency about his struggles is being lauded by the K-pop community for fostering a more open dialogue about artist health.
With his health back on track and a solo fan meeting on the horizon, the singer appears ready to enter a new, healthier chapter of his career.
