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Controversial Korean weight loss hack causes a storm on social media
London-based Sussanah was in Busan when she noticed that the steps in a public area were marked with the amount of calories a person would lose by cl…
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South Korea's Calorie-Counting Stairs Go Viral, Sparking Global Debate on Public Health and Body Image
SEOUL, South Korea – A recent viral video has brought to light a unique feature in South Korea: public staircases equipped with signs indicating the number of calories burned per step. The short clip, shared by a traveler, shows a person descending a set of stairs where each riser displays a negative kilocalorie value, such as “-5.25kcal” or “-6.15kcal.” The video, captioned “Can’t avoid calorie counting in Korea,” quickly garnered widespread attention, sparking conversations online about public health initiatives and body image. While some viewers expressed enthusiasm for the concept as a motivational tool for fitness, others voiced concerns, particularly regarding the potential impact on individuals with eating disorders or those sensitive to constant calorie monitoring. “This would put me in hospital,” one user commented, while another said, “My ED would definitely be back if I was there.” Conversely, some found it “healthy and encouraging,” with one person stating, “I’d LOVE that.” This innovative approach to promoting physical activity highlights a broader cultural emphasis on health and wellness in South Korea. While the exact locations and prevalence of these calorie-counting stairs are not fully detailed in the video, they offer a fascinating glimpse into how public spaces can be utilized to encourage healthier lifestyles, albeit with mixed reactions from the global audience.
