Eunchae, known popularly as ITSEUNCHAE on the digital spectrum, is a shining example of turning hate into stepping stones to success. This South Korean influencer has successfully challenged traditional beauty norms, transforming her experiences with online negativity and body shaming into a catalyst for her burgeoning career.
Growing up in Seoul, Eunchae, a taller-than-average girl with a fuller frame, was often the target of bullies uncomfortable with her deviation from stereotypical Korean beauty ideals. Her unique body, nicknamed ‘anime built’ by her fans, clashed with the skinny K-pop idol aesthetic that dominated Korea. Taunts of being the ‘first thick Asian’ and the ‘Korean Chun Li’ once hurt, but now they’ve become symbols of her uniqueness.
Yet, a pivotal shift occurred three years ago when Eunchae took flight from her homeland, traversing over 20 cities across 15 states in the United States. Experiencing the diversity of beauty standards first-hand, she realized the toxic nature of unrealistic beauty ideals back home. This enlightenment fueled her desire to reshape the narrative around beauty standards and provide comfort to others struggling with similar issues.
Thus, Eunchae turned to content creation, exploring subjects ranging from cultural differences between South Korea and the United States to her personal experiences. An eloquent weave of fashion trends, TikTok dances, travel adventures, and Korean language lessons, her content aims to show her followers that beauty is not one-size-fits-all. Through each video, she echoes the message that it’s not just okay to be different—it’s something to celebrate.
Despite her powerful messages, Eunchae‘s path wasn’t without obstacles. Critics accused her content of giving Korea a bad image, but she saw the criticism as an opportunity for change. She shrugged off the hate and continued sharing her experiences, believing that addressing these issues would contribute to a better future for her country.
Eunchae’s refreshing, relatable content soon resonated with the TikTok community, with many of her videos going viral, amassing over 100 million views. She now has a whopping 1.5 million followers on TikTok and over 500K followers each on her two Instagram accounts, all grown in a remarkably short span of two years. This growth has outpaced most of her industry peers, cementing her status as a prominent figure in the digital space.
The same physical attributes that once invited bullying now serve as a beacon for those struggling with their body image. The self-proclaimed ‘thick Asian’ with ‘strong legs’ is now cheered on, her unique body celebrated and admired by millions. As Eunchae continues to produce content on her multiple social media platforms, she shines as an empowering figure, transforming the insecurities that once plagued her into a source of strength.
Eunchae’s story is a shining example of defiance against societal norms. From a bullied schoolgirl to a viral Tiktoker, her story serves as an empowering beacon, illuminating the path to self-love and acceptance. The ‘Korean Chun Li’ is no longer a taunt but a title she wears with pride. Through her journey, she’s telling her story and the story of millions facing their insecurities. And through her story, they find hope, acceptance, and the courage to embrace their unique selves.
