Broadcaster Jasson released a product containing the blood sugar management method that helped his wife, comedian Hong Hyun-hee, with her diet, and controversy continues, but despite a lengthy explanation, it seems difficult to shake off the 'pal-ip-eu-peul' image.
On the 13th, Jasson wrote on his personal SNS, "First of all, the product I released is not a 'diet drug.' In many article headlines, they framed that I made a 'diet supplement' or a 'diet drug.' Those interested in Club Hongdangmu products know that the product I released this time is an ordinary food, not a health functional food or a pharmaceutical drug."
He added, "I commercialized the vinegar, oil and vegetables that Hyun-hee consistently took while regaining healthy eating habits so they could be consumed more safely and with uniform quality and convenience. She did not take Wegovy or Mounjaro, and she has never been prescribed them nor planned to be."
Jasson said, "For those who don't see Hyun-hee often, it may seem like she suddenly lost weight, but I want to emphasize that this is the result of long-term effort: she has done pilates and consistently walked every day. There is no such impossible product that you just take and lose weight."
Jasson drew a line saying the product is "not a diet supplement," and actually, looking at Hong Hyun-hee's routine posted on Club Hongdangmu's website, the core of the diet is relatively clear.
She maintained intermittent fasting with a 16-hour fast, kept a diet centered on shabu-shabu or home-cooked meals instead of spicy delivery food, and before regular meals she first consumed oil, vegetables and vinegar to control portion sizes. Above all, a notable habit change is, "instead of eating until I burst, I now put down the spoon when I feel comfortably full."
Intermittent fasting, a healthy diet, reducing overeating. This is not very different from the methods many experts recommend. Those who have long experienced cycles of dieting and regaining weight can easily relate to the routine. But the problem arises at this point. So the question is whether specific products such as "oil, vegetables, vinegar" were absolutely necessary in Hong Hyun-hee's dieting process.
As Jasson said, the product may not be a 'health functional food' meaning a diet supplement. However, the public often regards products taken during a diet in a broad sense as 'supplements.' There is clearly a difference in perception.
The moment Hong Hyun-hee's diet narrative is exposed alongside the product Jasson sells, consumers are likely to naturally connect the two. Especially among some internet users who are weary of celebrities turning their daily lives and dieting processes into businesses, the view that "isn't this ultimately just pal-ip-eu-peul?" persists.
It is understandable that Jasson and Hong Hyun-hee feel wronged. They made the product wanting to share a healthy dieting method, so if a commercial framing is applied contrary to their intentions, they would understandably be embarrassed. Given that Hong Hyun-hee's weight loss did not occur over a short period, the explanation also has some persuasive power.
However, how this explanation will be received by the public is something to watch. Whether the explanation will dispel misunderstandings, or whether the 'pal-ip-eu-peul' image will continue to follow them will ultimately depend on time and public opinion.
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS, website capture
[OSEN]