Korean Diet is a Trend in Korea, Here's How Song Hye Kyo Lost 17 Kg of Weight

Song Hye Kyo (Photo: Instagram/@kyo1122)

JAKARTA - South Korean actress Song Hye Kyo managed to lose weight up to 17 kg by replacing her dinner menu with tofu salad with minimal seasoning, and finishing dinner before 7 p.m.

Adding high-quality protein is the key to maintaining muscle mass while increasing metabolism during the weight loss process.

Of the various featured nutrients, tofu occupies the top position because of its high protein content and very low calories.

With its light texture and flexibility to be processed, tofu is one of the staple foods for diets that are chosen by many top celebrities in the South Korean entertainment industry.

According to HK1, Song used to have a more fleshy body when he first entered the entertainment world. The 44-year-old actress managed to lose 17 kg by eating breakfast and lunch as usual, but completely replacing dinner with tofu, as well as maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Reported by VNExpress on Saturday, April 4, 2026, another Korean actress, Jung Chae Yeon, also managed to lose weight with a similar method. In 2015, her weight reached 64 kg while preparing for her debut with the girl group DIA.

After that, Jung regularly ate tofu and drank soy milk, and only ate cherry tomatoes when he was hungry. Thanks to this pattern plus intense dance training, he managed to lose 16 kg in three months.

Another actress, Shin Se Kyung developed this method with a more creative recipe. Through her personal YouTube channel, Shin shared various dishes such as "tofu pasta" and "tofu lasagna".

By replacing high-calorie noodles with tofu, he still gets enough protein intake while reducing calories and making the feeling of fullness last longer.

In 100 grams of tofu, there are only about 76 calories. The protein from tofu is easily absorbed by the body and helps maintain muscle mass. In addition, tofu is also rich in calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, and vitamin B. Here are the benefits of eating tofu.

Low glycemic index (GI)

Helps control blood sugar, keeps you feeling full longer, and prevents sudden cravings.

Increase metabolism

Protein helps increase muscle mass, which ultimately helps speed up the metabolism.

Reduce fluid retention (bloating)

The potassium content in tofu helps remove excess fluid in the body, thereby reducing bloating and swelling.

4. Maintain hormonal balance

Contains isoflavones (plant estrogens) that help balance hormones and support anti-aging effects.

How to choose tofu to be effective for a diet

Not all types of tofu are suitable for losing weight. Choosing the right type is very important. It is recommended to eat white tofu (solid tofu), soft tofu (silken tofu), and frozen tofu. These types are minimally processed, the nutrition is maintained, and the calories are low.

Avoid layered tofu (often mixed with flour and oil), fish tofu containing many seasonings and additives, fried tofu, and fried tofu skins. These types are high in oil and salt, so the diet program fails.

Know that it is best to eat it at breakfast or dinner. Especially before menstruation, tofu can help reduce fluid retention and stabilize appetite.

Combine the beans with green vegetables (such as tomatoes and broccoli) or quinoa to increase fiber intake. Healthy cooking methods are steamed, boiled, or lightly sautéed with a little oil. It can also be cooked with miso soup or seaweed to add micronutrients and help digestion.

Even though it is healthy, it is best not to consume it excessively so as not to burden the kidneys or cause bloating.

The recommended amount is around 150-300 grams per day. Most importantly, don't just rely on tofu alone. Keep combining it with various types of food so that nutrients remain balanced.