Shinhwa member Eric, now 47, has captured the public's attention with a rare recent update.
Eric attended the wedding of fellow Shinhwa member Lee Min-woo alongside his wife, actress Na Hye-mi, and their two sons. Having been away from the screen since 2020, he quickly became a trending topic due to his noticeably heavier appearance. Compared to the sharp, chiseled features he displayed a decade ago as Park Do-kyung in the tvN drama Another Miss Oh, his fuller face reflects the natural passage of time and a shift in lifestyle.
In photos later shared by Na Hye-mi, Eric appears as a devoted father, energetically playing with his children. The images depict a happy, chaotic parenting life—so much so that fans joked about an "all-out battle" between the sons to claim their father's attention.
Responding to health rumors that circulated three years ago following a similar photo, Eric previously clarified: “That photo was from the early days of parenting when I couldn't sleep well. I was doing fine, though my weight has reached as high as 98 kg.”
Online commenters have been largely supportive, noting: “Once you become a dad, gaining weight is almost a rite of passage,” and “He looks softer and happier now. A dedicated father is more impressive than a sharp jawline.”
Marriage and Fatherhood: Why Do Men Gain Weight?
Eric’s experience is a common reality for many men who transition into marriage and fatherhood. There are three primary drivers behind this "dad weight."
Decreased Physical Activity: As parenting duties take priority, time previously spent at the gym, playing sports with friends, or engaging in outdoor hobbies often disappears, significantly reducing daily energy expenditure.
Shifting Eating Patterns: Marriage often brings more regular, calorie-dense home-cooked meals. Dads also frequently fall into the habit of snacking or eating late-night meals after the children are asleep.
Hormonal Disruptions: Chronic sleep deprivation and the stress of raising young children can disrupt hormones like ghrelin and leptin, which regulate appetite. This often leads to a vicious cycle of overeating and late-night cravings.
Protecting "Dad’s Health": Practical Weight Management
While gaining weight during different life stages is natural, managing it is essential for long-term health. The goal should be "steady lifestyle improvement" rather than extreme dieting.
Nutritional Balance Rather than sudden fasting, it is more effective to maintain a daily intake of 1,800–2,200 kcal, reducing no more than 500 kcal from your current baseline. Focus on cutting high-sugar and high-sodium processed foods—such as pastries, sugary sodas, and instant ramen. Instead, prioritize a diet rich in whole grains and protein. Including small portions of eggs, chicken breast, tofu, or fish at every meal helps maintain muscle mass while keeping you full longer.
Functional Exercise Consistency trumps volume. Aim for 20–30 minutes of aerobic activity (brisk walking, cycling, or stair climbing) three to five times a week. Strength training two to three times per week is also vital for boosting your basal metabolic rate. For busy fathers, the most sustainable method is "exercise through play"—spending active time at the playground, riding bikes, or playing ball with the kids.
Sleep and Stress Management Sleep deprivation is a major trigger for weight gain. To combat this, try to limit smartphone use after the children fall asleep and head to bed as early as possible. When stress peaks, replace coping mechanisms like drinking or overeating with movement-based habits, such as a 10-minute walk or simple breathing exercises.
For fathers like Eric, the key to health isn't a temporary fix, but a gradual refinement of daily habits that accommodates the beautiful—yet demanding—reality of family life.
