Singer and actor Doh Kyung-soo / Courtesy of Company Soosoo

It is not uncommon to see male idols, actors and other celebrities being asked to reveal their abs. When stars decline to lift their shirts to showcase their physiques, some fans often express disappointment, blurring the line between admiration and undue pressure on public figures.

Recently, singer and actor Doh Kyung-soo (D.O.) and producer Na Young-seok interacted with fans at an event. When a fan asked Doh to show his abs, he responded, "I don't have abs. Why do you want to see my stomach?"

Doh added, "There will never be a time in my life when I reveal my abs, so please understand. I can't imagine working out just to say, 'Look, I've been exercising,' while showing my abs."

Many stars, including Doh, have faced similar requests. Fans have asked during live broadcasts, or it was given as a challenge or a "punishment" during concerts.

Abs are often seen as a symbol of self-discipline, and many stars who have worked hard to achieve them have been happy to show them off. These displays have often become a hot topic among fans.

TV personality JaeJae / Courtesy of MBC

Feeling pressured to reveal their bodies

However, not all stars welcome these requests for exposure. Some feel embarrassed or express discomfort if they don't feel ready to confidently display their bodies.

While many celebrities have revealed their abs for roles or stage performances, being asked to expose themselves in everyday situations can often leave them feeling awkward.

There was a time when many variety shows heavily featured idols' "aegyo" — a form of acting cute, often with a baby voice. This was seen as a survival tactic in the entertainment industry.

However, there has been growing criticism of the social expectation for idols to speak like children, and things have started to change.

JaeJae, a popular YouTuber and TV personality, was praised for her style of hosting, which did not demand aegyo from guests.

There is a need to rethink the culture of requesting stars to reveal their abs, especially when it's not for professional reasons but simply because fans want to see them. Asking someone to expose a part of their body in front of an audience could potentially cause embarrassment or discomfort.

While it's acceptable if a star willingly chooses to show their abs, demanding it first can hinder the development of a healthy boundary between celebrities and fans. Stars, like anyone else, should have the right to refuse unreasonable requests.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.