 Overview
- K-pop’s global success brings fame and entertainment, but behind the scenes, artists grapple with intense schedules and mental health challenges due to the pressure of high expectations.
- This article delves into the prevalent mental health issues affecting K-pop artists, shedding light on a critical concern within the industry.
Table of Contents
1 Causes that adversely affect mental health
1.1 Pressure of Honor
1.2 Challenges in Mental Health
1.3 Overwork and Fatigue
2 How to protect the artist's mental health
2.1 Efforts by Entertainment Agencies
2.2 Industry Change and Reform
2.3 The Importance of Awareness and Support
3 Conclusion
K-pop occupies a unique position in the global music industry, and is loved by many fans for its entertainment and stage splendor. However, in the shadow of this success is the mental health problems of artists.
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K-pop artists debut under very busy schedules and high competition, and they have to simultaneously perform various activities such as practice, recording, schedule management, and stage rehearsals. As a result, it is easy to accumulate physical and mental stress. In particular, those who need rigorous training starting from their trainee days and preparation for unexpected situations must endure higher pressure.
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Also, K-pop artists get a lot of attention on social media, getting attention from media and fans. This can cause mental burden due to criticism and expectations about appearance, attitude, achievements, etc. This pressure can lead to identity confusion and low self-esteem.
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In this environment, mental health issues are emerging as a major problem. Mental difficulties such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and self-denial are common among artists. In conclusion, mental health problems hide behind the high passion and success of K-pop artists. As a result, artists’ mental health problems are an important issue that needs to be reviewed more deeply. In this article, we will take a closer look at the various mental health-related issues that K-pop artists face.
1 Causes that adversely affect mental health
Artists’ mental health is an important issue in their activities and daily lives. Artists’ unstable mental state can put great pressure on their debut and success. Due to the nature of the job as a celebrity, where all aspects of life are exposed, their mental health can deteriorate more easily and can lead them to the worst situation.
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Let’s first take a look at the causes that adversely affect the mental health of K-pop artists.
1.1 Pressure of Honor
A. K-pop trainees seek a chance to debut through rigorous training and fierce competition. For example, SM Entertainment trainees have to endure high-intensity training, such as training for more than 12 hours a day. The stress and pressure in this process can negatively affect their mental health.
B. Artists are also under pressure from tight schedules and lack of personal time. Surrounded by limitless activity and media attention, artists can find it hard to get a break even behind the scenes in public.
C. Due to the pressure of fame, artists can feel pressured to maintain a perfect image. High expectations for appearance and performance can lead to difficulties expressing one’s identity.
1.2 Challenges in Mental Health
A. There is still a prejudice against mental health in Korean society. In general, in Korean society, insurance subscription is sometimes restricted for those who receive treatment at the Department of Mental Health. Also, apart from this social phenomenon, people with mental health problems are easily treated badly in everyday situations, regardless of the type or severity of their illness.
B. This can make it difficult for artists to express their grievances. BTS’ RM spoke about this prejudice in Korean society in a conversation with a streamer about mental health. This prejudice can cause artists to hide their difficulties and feel their own burdens.
C. However, in recent years, some artists have overcome this prejudice, openly confessed their difficulties, and tried to communicate honestly with their fans. As one of the members of Twice, Mina gave courage to her fans by suspending her excessive activities on stage and prioritizing her mental health. BTS members also engage with fans through the lyrics and performances of their songs, often addressing themes of mental health and self-acceptance.
D. Artists also often face cyber bullying and negative comments from fans. The development of social networks and online communication has increased contact with fans, making it easier for negative opinions or critical comments and actions to spread. Such cyber bullying can negatively affect artists’ mental health and damage their self-esteem. Because artists are exposed on the internet, criticism and offensive comments online can seriously affect their mental health. In response to this, MAMAMOO’s Hwasa communicated with fans by sharing stories about cyber bullying through candid Instagram posts.
1.3 Overwork and Fatigue
A. Debuting as a trainee and continuing to promote as an artist, physical and mental overwork is an unavoidable problem. For example, Twice’s Jihyo suffered from health problems due to overwork and took a break from activities. This overwork increases tension and stress, and can lead to fatigue and mental strain on artists.
B. Artists face a situation where it is difficult to maintain a personal life with unlimited activities and schedule management. In response to this, Jungkook of BTS talked about mental exhaustion and difficulties in activities on his radio program. These candid stories can increase connection with fans who understand and empathize with the struggles of artists.
C. Numerous media attention can increase artists’ mental fatigue and stress. An example of this is BLACKPINK’s Lisa, who has shown her mental growth while enduring the pressure and media attention behind the scenes. While receiving media attention has its positive aspects, it can also come with burdens and fatigue.
2 How to protect the artist's mental health
2.1 Efforts by Entertainment Agencies
A. The agencies are preparing positive support measures to protect the mental health of artists. SM Entertainment operates a mental health management program and strives to reduce the stress of its artists. These support programs create an environment where artists can express their feelings and get help when times are tough.
B. Counseling and treatment for mental health problems plays an important role. JYP Entertainment employs professional counselors for artists’ mental health, and through this, helps artists relieve stress. These consultations support the mental stability and growth of artists.
C. Artists are finding a balance by managing their mental health in their own way. aespa’s Karina uses her self-care methods, like destressing through her swimming, to keep her mentally stable. Many artists also use a variety of methods, including regular exercise, meditation, and healing music. Through these various self-management methods, artists protect and maintain their own mental health, and also deliver positive messages and inspiration to their fans. This is one of the important factors for a healthier and more positive development of the industry.
2.2 Industry Change and Reform
A. Efforts are being made within the industry to raise awareness of artists’ mental health. The Korean Pop Culture Artists’ Union works for a better working environment for artists and raises awareness of mental health issues. This effort is an important step towards the welfare and well-being of our artists.
B. Fans are raising their voices and demanding better treatment for the health and happiness of our artists. As an example of this, BTS’ fans continue to insist on their efforts for the welfare and health of their artists under the name “ARMY”. Fans’ support is a great help in creating an environment where artists can work in a healthy and stable manner.
C. Improving the treatment and working conditions of trainees is an important factor in protecting the mental health of artists. YG Entertainment is showing its efforts to protect the health of its artists by making changes such as reducing trainees’ working hours and raising wages. Improving standards within the industry can increase the well-being of artists.
2.3 The importance of awareness and support
A. The understanding and support of fans and media can ease the difficulties of artists. An example of this is the case of Victon’s Hongbin sharing stories about his insomnia with her fans, gaining empathy and support. These stories serve as an opportunity for the media and fans to share the difficulties of artists and to draw a better understanding.
B. We can strengthen communication between artists and their fans by encouraging open conversations about mental health in the K-pop community. An example of this is the case of EXO Xiumin communicating with fans by revealing a story about mental health. These conversations serve to increase understanding between stars and fans about mental health.
C. Mental health support resources and information provide artists and fans with the help they need. For example, the Korea Mental Health Association provides mental health support services for artists and helps them when they need it. These services provide ongoing support to artists struggling with mental health and serve to lower barriers to accessing help.
3 Conclusion
The mental health issues of K-pop artists reveal the dark side behind their activities. However, through awareness and coping with it, this problem can be overcome.
We must continue our efforts to protect and support the health and happiness of artists through change and reform within the industry. More flexible scheduling, effective rest periods, and collaboration with mental health professionals are needed. This will give artists a chance to showcase their talent without undue pressure.
The continued understanding and support of fans and media will further strengthen the artists’ mental health. Fans’ passion and love will not only be a great force, but will also create a space for artists to show their human side.
Not only that, the artists themselves actively manage their mental health, so they can shine in the world behind the scenes. They must find a way out. They need to protect their health and maintain a stable mindset through stress management, rest, treatment, and regular counseling.
We hope that these efforts will come together to create a healthier environment within the K-pop industry. Mental health issues aren’t just individual issues, they’re significant issues affecting the industry and fans alike. With cooperation and awareness-raising from all stakeholders, we hope to create a positive environment for artists to enjoy their music and activities.
