ITZY Yuna Showcases Stunning Physique in Swimsuit Photos, Reigniting Past 'Hip Pad' Debates

Yuna, a member of the K-pop girl group ITZY, has once again showcased her extraordinary physical proportions by revealing natural swimsuit photos from her vacation. In particular, the spotlight has returned to her physique as fans revisit moments where she directly addressed the so-called "hip pad" speculations that surfaced online in the past.

On the 6th, Yuna shared several photos on her social media account accompanied by the brief caption, "It's okay even if it's blurry." In the images, Yuna is seen strolling along the beach wearing a burgundy one-piece swimsuit and sunglasses. With her hair lightly tied back and a white knit sweater held in one hand, she exudes a relaxed and leisurely atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to her intense persona as a performer on stage.

The deep V-neckline and the silhouette of the swimsuit following her body highlighted Yuna's signature proportions, including her slim waist and long legs. Notably, the moniker "Golden Hips," which has long been attached to her name, drew renewed attention. However, as it is impossible to fully judge the actual shape of a specific body part or whether clothing provides correction solely from photographs, it is necessary to distinguish between past online speculations and actual facts.

The controversies surrounding Yuna's physique gained significant public attention following a performance at the end of 2022. At that time, Yuna delivered a reinterpretation of Lee Hyori's "U-Go-Girl" at the KBS Gayo Daechukje, where her Y2K-style low-rise outfit and unique performance became a major talking point. Yuna later revealed that she had even prepared design drafts by conducting image searches to personally propose the outfit concept at the time.

Following this, online speculations emerged questioning whether Yuna had worn hip pads to achieve her hip line. Yuna addressed these rumors directly on the MBC variety show "Radio Star" in 2024. Acknowledging the rumors, she stated, "Many people talk about it. They ask if I put them in," before adding, "I think it would be good if you go watch the U-Go-Girl video once." Rather than providing a lengthy explanation of the facts, she effectively responded by pointing to the performance video she had personally delivered.

The "U-Go-Girl" stage holds significance for Yuna beyond mere topicality. She explained that she personally envisioned the Y2K-inspired outfit because she admired the music and style of Lee Hyori, and through that stage, she strongly imprinted her performance capabilities and visuals on the public. The outward controversy regarding "hip pads" has ultimately become a paradoxical example of how powerful an impression that stage left on the audience.

Since debuting with ITZY in 2019, Yuna has established herself as the group's youngest member and a representative visual member through tracks featuring intense performances such as "Dalla Dalla," "ICY," "WANNABE," "Not Shy," and "LOCO." Given the characteristics of ITZY's performances, which emphasize precise group choreography and physical utilization on stage, Yuna's physical proportions and styling have functioned as a core element of the team's visual identity.

Recently, this interest has continued through her fashion outside of the stage and her daily life images. In July, Yuna also drew attention by sharing photos taken at a hotel pool in swimwear, where her characteristic proportions and natural aura were once again highlighted.

Currently, ITZY is meeting global fans through their third world tour, "TUNNEL VISION." While they demonstrate a powerful presence on stage with high-intensity choreography and performances, they simultaneously present a dual image by revealing their more natural daily lives during vacations.

Ultimately, what these photos have revived is not merely a simple "showing off of physique" or the old hip pad controversy. In an era where an idol's body is constantly interpreted through stage outfits, cameras, and the gaze of fandoms, Yuna continues to stand before the public in her own way after having directly addressed the speculations surrounding her appearance. Rather than a single swimsuit photo, what is more noteworthy is the process through which she has converted evaluations of her appearance back into her performances and her active career.