Former Miss Korea successfully loses 16 kg

Once diagnosed with pre-diabetes, Kim Ji-yeon, at 48, successfully dropped from 75 kg to 59 kg in five months by maintaining a balanced diet and improving her sleep quality.

Kim Ji-yeon, Miss Korea 1997, recently garnered attention for publicly sharing her body transformation. On 1/4, she posted a video on her personal page, captioning it: "Saving these images to remind myself never to return to that time". The video, reported by Nate on 2/4, showcased her physique before and after her weight loss.

In late March, Kim Ji-yeon shared photos, stating: "The change after five months. From an initial 10 kg milestone, I have now lost a total of 16 kg". She impressed fans by confidently wearing short dresses and form-fitting bodysuits, revealing her slender figure and a much younger appearance.

Reflecting on her daily life changes, she shared: "Previously, I only wore baggy clothes to hide my figure, but now I feel much lighter and healthier".

Her weight had previously reached 75 kg due to an imbalanced lifestyle and a habit of eating ready-made meals, leading to a pre-diabetes diagnosis. She also experienced joint pain, early menopause symptoms, and depression.

Former Miss Korea Kim Ji-yeon before and after weight loss. Photo: Kim Ji-yeon

South Korean media reported Kim Ji-yeon began her weight loss journey last November, supported by a specialized company. Unlike many stars who choose extreme dieting, she adopted a balanced diet and improved her sleep quality. This led to her dropping from 75 kg to 59 kg in five months. The actress remarked: "Achieving this in middle age is a success, isn't it? It feels unbelievable to return to the weight I was 15 years ago".

Kim Ji-yeon revealed that her weight loss was driven by prolonged emotional distress. After being crowned Miss Korea, she became a beauty icon for the land of morning calm. However, as her appearance changed, she endured comments like "disgracing the Miss title" or "have you no shame?".

"I felt as if those around me were passing a death sentence", Kim Ji-yeon recalled. These criticisms motivated her to begin serious weight loss. She stated her journey was not to prove anything to others, but for her own health and well-being.

Born in 1978, Kim Ji-yeon achieved success as an actress after her Miss Korea win, starring in films like "Sweet Bride" and "The Maid". She married actor Lee Se-chang in 2003, had one daughter, and later divorced in 2013.

After years away to regain balance following her divorce, Kim Ji-yeon is now returning to the public eye. In addition to her familiar work on online shopping channels, she is also venturing into insurance consulting.

Her physical transformation not only helped her regain confidence but also opened a new chapter in her career and life.