When asked about the most grueling moment of his contest prep, Shin Jun-seo recalled that day without hesitation. On the very day he began carb loading, gastroenteritis struck. Continuous diarrhea and vomiting hit right at the moment he needed to load up. His body rapidly became exhausted, and his contest weight dropped by 3 kg. In bodybuilding, where conditioning dictates success or failure, the situation was near the absolute worst.
Nevertheless, he stepped onto the stage. Even with condition far from perfect, he fought to hold his ground, and ultimately answered with results: the Men's Bodybuilding Open Overall at the 2025 NPC IFBB NATURAL Regional. By capturing the Regional Overall title that everyone dreams of, the agony of that day became not just a stroke of bad luck, but the backdrop proving his journey.
Shin Jun-seo stated in his post-contest impressions: “I took the overall on the Regional stage, the precursor stage to earning an IFBB PRO card that every bodybuilder dreams of. I have always aimed to become the youngest bodybuilding pro, and I believe I have reached a position where I can challenge for a pro card at the age of being born in 2002.” His tone was calm, yet filled with undeniable conviction.
His primary division is Bodybuilding. What the stage demands is size, density, and completeness. Through this Regional, Shin Jun-seo demonstrated not just potential, but true competitiveness. Unwavering preparation and focus even under adverse conditions were his greatest weapons.
His gaze is already set on next season. “I promise that 2026 will be different. I will definitely show everyone that I can earn the title of the youngest bodybuilding pro card winner.” The Regional Overall is not the finish line, but a declaration of a beginning.
An outcome earned after enduring a nightmare of a carb-loading day. Shin Jun-seo's performance on stage this time was a defining moment that went beyond a mere contest placing, demonstrating just how much he can endure.