K-pop idols are known for their flawless performances and impeccable looks on stage, but behind the scenes, many of them struggle with mental health issues. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and openness among K-pop idols about mental health, with many sharing their personal journeys with fans. From anxiety and depression to eating disorders and self-harm, these idols have spoken up about their struggles and encouraged others to seek help. By sharing their stories, they have not only helped to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the K-pop industry but have also shown that even the most successful and admired individuals can face mental health challenges. In this article, we will explore the stories of some K-pop idols who have bravely shared their mental health journeys.
1. Suga
Suga often expresses his mental health struggles through his music, particularly in his raps, and has frequently discussed his experiences with anxiety, depression, and OCD. During his May 2021 interview with Rolling Stone, he described his mental state as similar to cold weather. He also noted, "I'm comfortable now and feeling good, but those negative emotions come and go... They might return in a cycle over a year or a year and a half." During another interview, Suga commented that "loneliness and anxiety stay with you forever. It takes a lifetime of contemplation to figure out how to make peace with them." In his rap "The Last," Suga revealed, "The hidden side of a well-known idol rapper A weaker side of me stands there, it's a little dangerous Depression and obsessive-compulsion relapses again Hello, no, perhaps this might be my true self..."
2. Bae Suzy
Bae Suzy made her debut in the entertainment industry when she was just 15 years old. During an interview on the "Healing Camp" show, she burst into tears while discussing her mental health. Later, during a press conference for "Gu Family Book," she explained that she cried because she was going through a lot of things and everyone expected her to act tough, even though she was merely a child.
3. Taeyeon
In one of her Instagram Q&A sessions, Taeyeon opened up about her mental health. Many of her fans asked if she was okay, to which she replied no. Another fan asked if she had bipolar disorder, to which she replied that it was depression and she was taking antidepressants and trying hard to get better. She also stated, "Whether it's depression or bipolar disorder, please don't 'tsk' and treat people disrespectfully. They are all patients who are suffering." In another post, she wrote that she decided to talk to her fans because she felt nourished by them and it was a better way to get to know each other.
4. Joy
During an episode of KBS's "Happy Together," Joy spoke about her somatic symptom disorder (SSD) which causes physical pain. She revealed that to relieve stress, she looks at pictures of her dog and takes deep breaths. Additionally, Joy practices aerial yoga and maintains a healthy diet to manage her stress and anxiety. Joy also expressed her concern for her fellow member Wendy who is currently suffering, and hoped for her speedy recovery. She also shared that she wants to become a person who takes good care of the people around her and doesn't overlook the little things that bring happiness, rather than having big and ambitious dreams.
5. HyunA
Through Instagram, Hyuna revealed that she had been dealing with depression, panic disorder, and vasovagal syncope. Due to her vasovagal syncope, she often experienced foggy vision and fainting. She expressed concern that people might not want to see her perform on stage if they knew she could potentially fall. She concluded that "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."
6. Jay B
In an interview with ARENA MAGAZINE, Jay B revealed that he had been diagnosed with clinical depression and was receiving treatment for it. He also mentioned that before the diagnosis, he didn't realize he had depression and thought that he was mentally weaker than others. He encouraged fans who are going through depression to not hide it or feel ashamed of it, and to seek professional help. He also emphasized that there is no shame in prioritizing one's mental health.
7. Kang Daniel
Kang Daniel has opened up about his battles with mental illness and how he expressed them through his music, including songs like "Yellow," "Paranoia," and "Antidote." In a recent interview, he stated that he wanted to convey the difficult time he went through in his career, during which he felt hopeless. Each song represents a different stage he went through during that time, with "Yellow" taking a step back into a darker period of his life. Kang hopes that people can relate to his music and his overall body of work, as everyone goes through ups and downs. Kang states "After going through what I've gone through, I think the people around you are really important because when you come to a point when you don't trust yourself, it's really dangerous. It's the people around you that are going to help you. You need to learn to trust those people around you that care about you.”
8. Wendy
In one of the episodes of Mysterious Record Shop, Wendy opened up about her mental health struggles. She stated, " When we are promoting, we do not have a break. I don’t think I should express my hardships. I did not know it myself because I was hiding all these things." Furthermore, Wendy shared her thoughts on how celebrities often push themselves too hard and feel like they can't show any signs of exhaustion or weakness. She stated, "They think that they're not allowed to be tired, and they keep trying to burn themselves out. One of the issues is that many of them are too young to live their lives as themselves because they are either trainees or newly debuted."
9. Leeteuk
Leeteuk has had a painful past, including the murder of his grandparents, the suicide of his father, and caring for his mother and sister when they were left in massive debt by his father. He has been open about his struggles with mental health, including during his time in the military where he suffered a lot and was at risk of being discharged. Leeteuk admitted that he didn't realize he was going through depression at the time because he was such a workaholic, and not working caused him a lot of anxiety. He also shared that his depression had worsened to the point where doctors were prescribing him more and more medication, which his body couldn't handle and caused him to throw up.
10. Jackson Wang
In the DAEBAK SHOW podcast, Jackson Wang opened up about his mental health struggles, stating that he felt lost and everything felt like a never-ending loop. To break out of this cycle, he cut off his relationships with others to focus on creating music. He also revealed that he typically keeps his problems to himself and doesn't talk to anyone about them, but after speaking with his producer and hairstylist, he wondered why he had been afraid to admit that he wasn't okay all this time. Finally, he expressed his desire to live honestly both to himself and to his audience.
