ITZY Yuna Showcases Stunning Swimsuit Look, Rekindling '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, as scenes where she directly addressed the so-called 'hip pad' allegations previously raised online have been brought back into the spotlight, long-standing interest surrounding her body type is continuing.

On the 6th, Yuna posted several photos on her social media account with the short caption, "It's okay even if it's blurry." In the photos, Yuna is seen strolling along the beach wearing a burgundy one-piece swimsuit and sunglasses. With her hair lightly tied up and a white knit cardigan held in one hand, she exudes a relaxed atmosphere that differs from the intense performer seen on stage.

The deep V-neck and the silhouette of the swimsuit following her body highlighted Yuna's unique proportions, such as her slender waist and long legs. In particular, the modifier 'Golden Hips,' which has long been attached to Yuna's name, gained renewed attention. However, since it is impossible to fully judge whether the shape of a specific body part is due to actual physical conditions or clothing adjustments based solely on photos, it is necessary to distinguish between the speculations raised online in the past and the actual facts.

The controversy surrounding Yuna's body type drew significant public attention following a performance at the end of 2022. At that time, Yuna performed a reinterpretation of Lee Hyori's "U-Go-Girl" on the KBS 'Gayo Daechukje' stage, and her Y2K-style low-rise outfit and unique performance became a hot topic. Yuna later revealed that she had prepared design drafts by searching for images in order to directly propose the costume concept at the time.

Subsequently, speculations arose online regarding whether she had worn pads due to her hip line, and Yuna addressed this directly on the MBC variety talk show 'Radio Star' in 2024. She acknowledged the rumors, stating, "Many people have been talking about it. They ask if I put them in," before adding, "It would be good if you could go watch the U-Go-Girl video once." Rather than providing a lengthy explanation of the facts, she answered by pointing to the performance video she had personally presented.

In particular, the 'U-Go-Girl' stage holds meaning for Yuna beyond simple buzz. She explained that she personally devised the Y2K-style outfit because she liked the music and style of Lee Hyori, and through that stage, she strongly imprinted her performance capabilities and visuals on the public. The external controversy regarding the 'hip pad' has ultimately become a paradoxical example showing how strong an impression that stage left.

Since her debut with ITZY in 2019, Yuna has established herself as the youngest member and a representative visual member of the team through songs featuring intense performances such as "Dalla Dalla," "ICY," "WANNABE," "Not Shy," and "LOCO." Especially given the nature of ITZY's performances, where the precision of group choreography and physical utilization on stage are crucial, Yuna's body proportions and styling have functioned as one of the elements composing the team's visual identity.

Recently, this interest has continued in her fashion outside of the stage and her everyday images. In July, Yuna also drew attention by posting photos taken at a hotel swimming pool in swimwear, where her unique proportions and natural atmosphere were once again noted.

Currently, ITZY is meeting global fans through their third world tour, 'TUNNEL VISION.' While demonstrating their presence on stage with high-intensity choreography and performances, they are simultaneously maintaining two different images of a star by revealing their daily lives with a relatively natural appearance during vacations.

Ultimately, what these photos have reignited is not just simple "body boasting" or the past pad controversy. In an era where an idol's body is constantly interpreted through stage costumes, cameras, and the gaze of fandoms, Yuna has directly answered the speculations surrounding her appearance and continues to stand before the public in her own way. Rather than a single swimsuit photo, what is worth noting is the process by which she has converted evaluations of her appearance back into her performances and activities themselves.