Former AOA leader Jimin surprised fans on September 4 by posting a series of late-night running photos to her personal social media account, causing many users to express concern.
In the images, the 32-year-old singer wears a sleeveless crop top and short leggings as she jogs along an undisclosed urban route. One shot shows her pausing to catch her breath, her face flushed and her hair pulled back into a ponytail. Another captures her mid-stride, the glow of streetlights highlighting her lean frame as she pushes forward.
The upload marks Jimin's first fitness-related post since she attended fellow AOA member Dohwa's wedding last month. Although many fans applauded her dedication to health and admired her disciplined workout routine, a significant portion of comments focused on her thin appearance.
Jimin first rose to prominence in 2012 as the leader of AOA, contributing to chart-topping hits such as "Miniskirt," "Heart Attack," and "Good Luck." She earned further popularity in 2015 when she demonstrated her rap skills on the competitive reality program "Unpretty Rapstar."
In July 2020, Jimin stepped away from AOA and briefly retired amid public fallout after former member Kwon Mina accused her of bullying. Following a period away from the public eye, she returned in 2022 via JTBC's survival show "The Second World" and has since released several solo tracks, including "Twinkle Little Star" and "WALKING TALKING."
In addition to her musical pursuits, Jimin has maintained an active dialogue with fans through social media. Her latest posts, though focused on fitness, underscore a broader conversation about celebrity health and body image in K-pop. Late-night exercise sessions have become increasingly popular among idols seeking privacy, yet the timing raises questions about safety. Some fans expressed worry not only about her slender frame but also about the potential hazards of running alone at night in dimly lit areas.
Jimin's agency, FNC Entertainment, has not issued an official statement regarding the photos or fan concerns. In past instances when anxiety over her well-being surfaced, such as after revealing photos of drastic weight loss in 2019, her label affirmed that she was in good health and encouraged fans to avoid undue worry. With her active return to music and ongoing social updates, observers will be watching closely for any future indicators of her physical and mental wellness.
