Hong Jin-kyung suffered broken teeth due to extreme dieting during her modeling days

Model-turned-entertainer Hong Jin-kyung has opened up about the severe side effects of the extreme dieting she endured during her modeling career. Recently, Hong shared glimpses of her daily life on her YouTube channel, visiting a restaurant in Pyeongchang-dong with model Park Kyung-jin, who is like a younger sister to her.

A Sudden Encounter on a Rainy Day: "Starting a 24-Hour Vlog"

On Tuesday, July 21, Hong Jin-kyung, who had originally planned to hike Inwangsan with her fitness group 'Jicheon-nayo,' had to cancel her plans due to sudden rain and spent the day at home. 'Jicheon-nayo' is a group Hong formed with fellow model friends for exercise; it began with her and member Jae-young and grew in size as acquaintances joined. The original plan was to meet in front of the mountain at 6:30 AM to finish the hike early and avoid the heat, but the worsening weather forced the cancellation of all scheduled activities.

To stave off boredom, Hong was filming 'Brabang' (a combination of Vlog and Radio broadcast) at home when she spoke with model Park Kyung-jin and set a new plan. The meeting was arranged after Park recommended a famous Seonjae-jangguk restaurant located in Hong's neighborhood. Setting an ambitious goal for a "24-hour vlog" that would run from 9:09 AM until 9:09 AM the following day, Hong set out for an outing in Pyeongchang-dong with Park.

Dieting to the Point of Broken Teeth: "I Didn't Know How to Care for Myself"

During the meal, Hong Jin-kyung revealed the hardships she faced during her years as a model. She disclosed that she had maintained extreme diets throughout her long career, even experiencing broken teeth in the process. Recalling her past, she noted that her weight at the time was around 79–80kg, highlighting how she had neglected her health.

"Experiencing broken teeth made me realize that I must learn to love and take care of myself," Hong added, noting, "I didn't know how to look after myself back then." This moment highlights the physical pain and psychological shifts hidden behind the glamorous life of a model.

Religious Conversations and Daily Life with a Former Seminarian Model

The conversation with model Park Kyung-jin took an unexpected turn into religious topics. Park, a former seminarian, mentioned her past and shared that she has maintained her chastity. In response, Hong shared an anecdote about how she used to pinch her own thighs hard enough to bruise just to resist the temptation of failing her diet. "There were times when the temptation was just too strong," Hong said, recounting her struggles with a mix of humor and sincerity.

The two spent their 24-hour vlog-style day discussing religious topics such as dialects and prayer, while also visiting local eateries and perfume shops in Pyeongchang-dong. The perfume shop they visited after their meal evoked the atmosphere of a boutique in France. The store offered various scents, including Heidi and Phoebe, with the latter two being particularly popular. Hong enjoyed the luxurious ambiance of the shop, which uses French fragrances, as she spent a relaxing time.