Has K-pop Idols’ Health Issues Increased? All Artist Hiatus In 2023

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Increase in K-pop Idols health issues and hiatus in 2023

Fans of K-pop idols in 2023 have grown fearful of seeing their favorite star’s name trending on social media. They are also anxious every time an agency releases a statement as the number of artists going on temporary hiatus due to health issues has increased. Recently, K-rapper Jessi also halted her activities to pay attention to her health.

Apart from her, over twenty idols have taken a hiatus in 2023 to attend to their health. This trend has increased the concerns among fans for their favorite K-pop idols’ health. In this article, we will take a closer look at the health management of artists by exploring all the idols that went on temporary hiatus in 2023. We will also discuss the stigma surrounding a break and the opinions of experts about idols’ health concerns in recent times.

All K-pop Idols that went on a hiatus in 2023

Many K-pop artists went on a brief hiatus in 2023, and more often than not, the reason for their temporary withdrawal from schedules was health challenges. This issue was particularly noticeable in the first half of 2023 when many idols, including Red Velvet‘s Joy, IVE’s Rei, Xdinary Heroes’ Juhan, aespa‘s Giselle, and SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan, went on a break.

Additionally, SHINee’s Onew, Billlie’s Suhyeon, Alice’s Do-A and Yeonju, DRIPPIN’s Alex, TNX’s Cheon Jun Hyeok, Lapillus’ Chanty, and NCT’s Haechan also took a temporary hiatus to focus on their physical and mental wellbeing.

The same trend continued in the third quarter of 2023, with ITZY’s Lia taking a break due to severe anxiety. She also detailed her struggles in a heartfelt letter, sharing that while running to fulfill her dream, she has been feeling as if she is losing herself.

These emotions are common among idols who dedicate their youth to their dream. They also often compromise their health until it demands immediate attention, such as BLACKPINK’s Jennie, who had to leave the stage mid-concert in Melbourne due to deteriorating health.

Unfortunately, this isn’t all. Apart from physical and mental health conditions, K-pop artists also suffer from various injuries during their work. SEVENTEEN’s S.Coups went on a hiatus after he tore his ACL in August 2023. His bandmate, Mingyu, also halted his activities in October 2023 from lower back pain.

ATEEZ Jongho, who suffered from leg pain after a former injury, had to leave the fansigning event in the USA for a surgery of meniscus rapture. Meanwhile, his bandmate, Wooyoung, went on a break because of an ankle injury.

Although the year is reaching its end, the announcements of K-pop idols’ hiatus for health issues are continuing. LE SSERAFIM’s Chaewon stepped back from her schedule in October due to Influenza. Yesterday, Jellyfish Entertainment also announced that VERIVERY’s Hoyoung will take a temporary break from his schedule due to psychological health issues.

Has K-pop Idols’ health issues increased?

As the number of artists going on hiatus is so high, it is easy to think that the health issues among artists have increased. However, rather than taking it that way, we can also note that the artists are more active in caring for themselves than before.

K-pop artists‘ usually participate in vigorous physical activity almost every day. They practice complicated dance routines for their back-to-back comebacks, perform at various variety and music shows, and spearhead power-packed concerts worldwide. At the same time, they visit the gym to maintain their impressive muscles.

All these physical activities and tight schedules, when mixed up with the stress of constantly doing their best, looking their best, and performing their best, their health is bound to take a toll. Due to the stigma of hiatus, the idols didn’t usually announce their break, but as time changed, the artist became more open about their health issues.

What is the stigma of hiatus in K-pop?

Due to the constant challenges and competition to break through in the industry, K-pop idols have pushed through by compromising their health and mental well-being. For years, the notices of any K-pop hiatus were more about internal conflicts that may result in the eventual disbandment or departure of a member than the requirement of a restful break.

This has created a stigma around the word ‘hiatus’ with many fans urging the media not to use it when a K-pop idol is taking a temporary leave for health issues. However, in recent times, this stigma is slowly vanishing as more artists take the initiative to be open about their health and well-being requirements.

Although, of course, the better thing would be not to have to take an abrupt hiatus but rather to have better schedule management so the artists can work on their dreams without sidelining their health. Regarding these issues, a Korean news agency, YTN Star, spoke with various agency representatives in mid-2023. Let’s take a look at their opinions.

If the industry has become better, then what’s the cause of increasing health issues?

Three agency representatives discussed various reasons that impact the health of K-pop idols. One of the anonymous representatives stated that the artists face a burden due to their high expectations. The recent westward expansion of the industry has also raised challenges for them, which results in various stress-related issues such as panic disorder and anxiety.

Another representative shared that the approach towards mental health has significantly changed in recent times. The idols are encouraged to rest if advised by the medical officials and/or if the artists request it. It is being treated similarly to sick days that employees of other industries receive.

The statement of the second representative is also supported by the reports of The Korea Herald, which has noted that many agencies, such as HYBE, have prioritized the mental health of their artists by providing them with regular therapy. However, as Korea is a conservative society, there are also certain opposite opinions.

The third representative shared that the hiatus has nothing to do with the health but more to do with the lack of ‘patience’ of the new-gen artists. It is evident that brushing up on the health issues by tagging them as impatience isn’t the solution to the problem.

Not all the agencies can afford to invest in weekly therapy sessions as HYBE. However, every step taken to care for the artists’ health is undoubtedly going to affect their work positively. They will be able to perform better, compose new music more enthusiastically, and enjoy their work. After all, success achieved at the cost of health can not stand the testament of time.

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