With their polished makeup, glitzy outfits, well-curated social media feeds and millions of adoring fans, it is difficult to see K-pop celebrities as one of us, regular human beings. Behind the curtains, however, these idols have to deal with societal pressures, personal struggles and problems that accompany fame and the public eye. Below, we take a look at some who struggled with depression, anxiety and other mental health illness.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental issues, please reach out to these hotlines below for help. Remember, you’re not alone and help is within reach.
Helplines:
• Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444 (24 hours)
• Mental Health Helpline: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
• Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
• Tinkle Friend (for primary school-aged children): 1800-274-4788
• Care Corner Counselling Hotline (Mandarin): 1800-353-5800
In August 2021, JYP Entertainment announced that Jeongyeon would be taking her second hiatus due to “panic and psychological anxiety.” The company added that while she did perform at the end of January at the 30th Seoul Music Awards with the group, both parties have decided to prioritise her mental health. Jeongyeon also took messaging app Bubble to assure fans that she will return healthier.
RM celebrated his 27th birthday on September 12 by hosting a live broadcast. After fans had quizzed about his well-being, RM replied that “every day’s a fight” to not lose to depression and give up. And while his life has been rather monotonous for nearly two years, he still makes time for activities for his mental and physical health, such as cleaning his room, watering plants and exercising.
BTS hasn’t shied away from talking about difficult topics that youths face today. In a May 2021 Rolling Stone interview, Suga described his mental health as “cold weather”, where “negative emotions come and go”. Suga has used music to look introspectively and has released songs such as The Last to tackle the anxiety and depression he faces. He added that people should be encouraged to share about their mental health issues than keep it to themselves.
In a May 2021 interview with Allure, the former Got7 member spoke candidly about depression and anxiety, which he is on medication for. Jay B shared that for over three or four years, he “felt extreme pressure and burden as an artist” but instead “often hid th0se feelings away.” Now, Jay B is an open book with these feelings and he wants others to “feel confident enough to speak about these kinds of problems that they have and be someone who can help speak out for them.”
In July 2021, it was reported that former AOA member Kwon Mina had attempted suicide. This comes almost a year after allegations had surfaced that she had been bullied by the group’s leader Jimin while another member Seolhyun stayed silent. Since regaining consciousness, Kwon announced plans to take legal action against rumours spread by netizens. In September 2021, the Korean news outlet Dispatch released messages between the AOA group members including Kwon and Jimin where they had discussed the bullying issue.
In an episode of Mysterious Record Shop, Wendy spoke about receiving psychological help regarding the difficulties she had been facing. She said, “When we’re promoting, we don’t have a break. I don’t think I should express my difficulties. I didn’t know myself because I was hiding all these things.” She was worried about others and didn’t focus on her own needs. However, she finally plucked the courage and went for counselling with a psychologist “because I was biting my tail and biting my tail.”
It felt like a near-death experience when Jae was driving and suffered a panic attack due to his anxiety problem. Jae thought he could ride out his problems and sweep things under the rug. That was until things came to a head. Since then, he has taken steps, including medication, to help with his condition and is actively raising awareness on toxic positivity and treating mental health as though it’s a physical condition.
It took a year for the former 4Minute group member to come to terms with her depression and panic disorder. It was first diagnosed in 2016 after she was hospitalised. HyunA added in a letter that she had originally wanted to keep the mental health condition a secret but she couldn’t hide it further. She concluded with, “I’m going to keep bravely trying to be well, but I think people can’t be perfect. I think it’s not too late and I’m going to love myself and take care of myself. I’m going to be courageous and honest, like I am now. “
Famously known as being a former member of the South Korean pop girl group f(x), Sulli had struggled with panic disorder, social phobia and depression before her death in October 2019. Her outspoken persona, which often had overt sexual tones, caught disfavour amongst many Koreans, who cyberbullied her and left many negative comments on her social media.
Cha In-ha was a young rookie actor aged 27 who passed in December 2019. He had debuted in 2017 in the TV drama Temperature of Love and at the time of his death, he was starring in Love with Flaws. As his death followed Sulli’s and Goo’s, many raised the concerns of copycat suicides. He did not leave a message nor a will and his family did not request for an autopsy.
A month after Sulli’s death, news broke of her close friend Goo Hara’s departure. Goo, a former member of Kara, had suffered heavy bouts of online criticism following her sex video scandal with her former boyfriend Choi Jong-bum.
Choi, a hairdresser, had assaulted Goo and threatened to release a sex video of the two. While Choi was eventually jailed, Goo was harassed on social media. Goo’s death also came as a surprise as she had released a musical single weeks prior.
The former member of hit boy band Wanna One, Daniel Kang made news after it was announced that he was suspending the promotion of his new single, Touchin’, to focus on his mental health. His agency, Konnect Entertainment, revealed that he had been diagnosed with depression, panic disorder and anxiety. In 2021, Kang dropped a solo extended play Yellow, which spoke of his mental health conditions and cyberbullying he faced.
During an Instagram question-and-answer session on June 2o19, Taeyeon had revealed that she is suffering from depression. Following the death of her close friends Sulli and Jonghyun, many fans were concerned over her mental health, which the singer had been an advocate for. Taeyeon has not spoken much about her mental health condition since. She’s currently a host on DoReMi Market and dropped the single Weekend in July 2021.
He might be known for his hilarious and outspoken persona on variety shows such as Knowing Bros (2015-present), but Heechul has struggled with depression. Heechul had privatised his Instagram account since Goo’s passing and was a close friend of Sulli and Jonghyun. When Hankyung, a former Super Junior member, left the group, Heechul had reported shut himself in for three months.
Another Super Junior member known for his outspoken variety abilities, Leeteuk has revealed numerous times that he suffered from depression. He had also shared about his painful family background, where his father had murdered his ailing grandparents before committing suicide, leaving Leeteuk with a five billion won (S$5,835) debt that he had to work off.
Yeonwoo had previously taken a hiatus from Momoland’s promotions and it sparked rumours that she was departing the group. The agency, however, denied the rumours and claimed that Yeonwoo was receiving treatment for panic disorder. Yeonwoo has since left the group and has a solo career as an actress.
One-fifth of boy band Shinee, Jonghyun’s departure in December 2017 by carbon monoxide poisoning came as a surprise. Prior to his suicide, Jonghyun had a concert in Seoul, was working on a music album (now released, titled Poet | Artist) for January 2018 and had left a suicide note with his close friend and fellow musician Nine9. His death sparked the discussion on mental health issues in South Korea.