Longing to visit her relatives in Korea whom she hadn’t seen in more than 20 years, Kae Whang experienced a wake-up call. She needed to lose weight.  

The former Army private from Clark, N.J., turned to reality TV for help. She began as one of 18 contestants on NBC’s popular game show “The Biggest Loser,” tackling weekly challenges and temptations in a fight for the $250,000 grand prize. As of press time, Whang — who entered the contest weighing 225 pounds — was one of 11 contestants still in the running.  

Whang, 28, a communications student, chatted with KoreAm about her ongoing struggle.

 

You were once in the military. After being so physically fit, what changed?  

I was eating more fast foods and just not making the right choices. After years and years of doing that, without proper exercise, you keep growing. You don’t realize how quickly it happens. You’re just in this denial stage, like, “Oh, I’m not that big.” And then you go into this mentality that’s like, “Oh, I’ll start tomorrow.” Well, tomorrow never really comes.

What finally snapped?

The last time I saw my relatives in Korea was when I was 7 years old. I’ve always been so afraid of going back. There’s that stereotype that Koreans [are] thin, and I thought I’d just be embarrassing my family. I finally said that’s enough. I can’t live like this. I had enough of being tired, being unhappy. This is not who I am. 

Are there any foods that just torture you?

There are definitely a few. I mean, I love bakeries. I love bread. And definitely salty foods. I love kalbi and I eat a lot of kimchi and bulgogi. Korean food is very healthy, but you still have to eat it in moderation. I used to love eating everything with rice.

What have you learned from being on the show so far?

It should never be a diet. It should be a lifestyle change. If you’re miserable and feel like you’re starving, then you’re going to give up. Find activities that make you happy. Have a cheat meal once a week. Keep things simple. Forgive yourself if you do slip up. Welcome challenges and just embrace life.