BTS's Grueling World Tour: How Will They Survive? Trainer Reveals All

BTS, the globally famous K-pop group, has embarked on a world tour with a US leg spanning 11 months, 80 concerts, and 34 cities. The tour's physical demands are intense, involving high-energy performances, rehearsals, fittings, photoshoots, and media appearances. This is often done with only four hours of sleep. The band's former trainer, Kim Jin-woo, compared the members to professional athletes, but highlighted that K-pop stars also need to maintain a specific physique. Kim, who was BTS’s conditioning coach for their first four tours, stated that the job puts a lot of strain on the body. Kim started working with BTS when they were in their early 20s. He traveled with the group until the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, he works with other celebrities. Kim said that some members had to gain muscle while others had to lose weight to maintain visual symmetry. Losing weight also makes performers less susceptible to injuries. Han Ji-eun, who coaches other K-pop stars, plans their endurance training a year ahead of a tour. She also works to define certain body parts without adding muscle mass. The K-pop exercise routine is not meant for most people. Kim focused on a proper balance of macronutrients rather than banning specific foods. Kim gave massages and rehabilitation treatments to prevent injuries. He also said that the stresses of K-pop tours tend to be harder on performers as they approach middle age. Kim believes that a typical K-pop career hinges on how long a performer can stay popular