K-pop, or Korean pop music, is slaying me. Every single group I listen to is coming back and lighting this world on fire.

In fact, it’s impressive how quickly this style of music is spreading to the Western side of the world. Take EXO, for example. Body wave here and dyed hair there.

Why do they do this to me? They’re one of the biggest groups out there. In the past, their music was cutesy and sweet. Slowly, a change has been underway in the sound and look that this group is putting forth.

This group released their album Ex’Act on June 9. The album rocketed on the charts and set off all the EXO-L’s out there. This album is probably my favorite out of all of them. I swear, I never stop playing it. It’s one of those albums that has a song to go with anything, and it is one that gets stuck in your head. Along with the music, the choreo is perfect. Here we go again with the body waves. Their dances are outstanding and are getting more impressive by the minute. No longer are they the cute little Korean boy band. Every time they come out with a new album, I am always impressed. These guys are becoming more diverse and are expanding their horizons.

The Ex’Act album was a big change from Exodus. In fact, when I watched their first newly released music videos at the time [ Monster and Lucky One], I was so shocked that my jaw dropped. The theme was darker and oddly futuristic. Up until that point, I had never seen anything like it. Let me tell you… I fell in love immediately with this new setting. It was unique, different and even a little weird. I appreciated this in all its glory. This was definitely a successful comeback.

Speaking of comebacks though. It is rumored right now that they have another comeback in December. My goodness, these boys aren’t going to give me a break. I am so excited for this and cannot wait to see what they are going to create for us next. But one thing comes to mind: is this too soon?

I am a little concerned about the health of the members. Every time a live performance video is released, the members look more worn out. Sure, touring makes them exhausted. That’s a given. But I can’t help but get anxious about their state of health.

You see, some of the members look much skinnier than what they should for the amount of time they tour, perform and practice. They are basically nonstop, and it shows. Along with the lengthy hours of dancing and singing, the members are being pressured to look a certain way. Within the “fandom” there are people saying “Oh, that one is chubby,” or “They don’t have abs, they have bellies.”

While these things may not be intended to harm, they still have an effect on the performers.

Members from numerous groups, not just EXO, have heard these comments from fans; causing them to think they need to lose weight, be beautiful or more attractive.

It hurts me know that some of the most talented and beautiful people think their bodies, however they be, aren’t good enough. I hope to see this change in the future.

K-pop is becoming more well known worldwide. Whether or not some people like it, it’s the truth. And again, whether people like it or not, there are other humans out there who look up to these performers. Because K-pop singers are increasingly famous role models, I hope they can find it within themselves to love their body. Body shaming is an issue everywhere, and it is getting worse. Everyday, girls and boys are becoming insecure about their bodies, and nowadays eating disorders are a popular way of losing weight. It’s important that kids,teens and adults have body positive people to look up to.