Momo super-fit to be a star
Momo from TWICE at the "KSTAR 2018 Korea Music Festival" at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, last year. Korea Times file
By Ko Dong-hwan
“Dance machine” Momo from K-pop girl band TWICE stole the hearts of myriad fans worldwide not just for her wonderful body movements and waving, but for her physical fitness that sets a benchmark for anyone wishing to emulate her.
recently resurfaced showing the JYP Entertainment star, 23, sharing her workout tips dedicated to strengthening the abdomen. Part of SBS MTV's K-pop entertainment program “The Show” that goes the extra distance in delving into stars, the segment unearthed pointers for viewers who are not quite sure why they should admire the Japanese star.
The Kyoto-born dancer's muscle-jerk routine, according to the clip from 2017, consists of twist-planks and sit-ups, which she demonstrated. She told Chaeyoung, another TWICE gem who accompanied the TV act, that she did 50 planks three times a day.
Momo from TWICE at a press showcase at Yes 24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Oct. 30, 2017, marking the release of the band's first full-length album "Twicetagram." Korea Times file
Videos and pictures of the star on stage or TV showing her ripped abdomen have been widely circulated on online blogs. A Korean encyclopedia detailing her show business career introduces her hidden talent as “body-waving using only her abdomen.”
Momo, as if her fat-free ab regimen wasn't enough to flaunt her physicality, in the clip also pumps iron as a chest toner. Ripped shoulders were laid bare through her navy-blue shoulder-less top, adding another reason for her fan appeal.
“Are you ready to become my fan?” the star asks, smiling while struggling to grapple with the apparatus.
Born Hirai Momo, the celebrity found fame after debuting in 2015 with the band formed by winners from the Mnet TV audition program “Sixteen.”
The band's latest release, “
,” a second collection of best hits, goes on sale in Japan this week.
The group will make its ninth appearance on Japan's top TV music program “Music Station” on TV Asahi on Mar. 8.