mental
“Becoming famous doesn’t mean becoming invincible.” This phrase, may sound cliché but it holds deep meaning in an entertainment industry that is increasingly glamorous yet often overlooks the human side of its stars. Every time we see a K-pop idol shine on stage, we often forget that behind the spotlight, there is a dark side that remains unseen. South Korea, as one of the world’s most competitive and globally influential entertainment industries, holds many tragic stories of Jonghyun, Sulli, Go Hara, and Moonbin have opened the world’s eyes to the bitter reality faced by South Korean entertainers. This essay will discuss the mental pressure experienced by Korean celebrities and the importance of public awareness regarding this issue. While talent and hard work drive their success, the environment in which that perform is often unforgiving. Understanding this reality is essential to foster a more compassionate and supportive society.
South Korea is known as rapidly growing hub of entertainment. K-pop and K-dramas have captivated global audiences and generate billions of dollars annually. However, behind this success lie untold stories of mental struggles. Korean artists are often expected to maintain a perfect image, endure extreme work schedules, and live under constant public scrutiny without any privacy.
They become public property, judged not only for their professional performance but also for their personal choices and appearances. One of the most shocking cases was the death of Kim Jonghyun, a member of SHINee, in December 2017. In his farewell letter, Jonghyun expressed the despair and mental pressure he experienced due to the expectations of the entertainment industry. He felt “broken inside” and said he “couldn’t overcome the loneliness” (BBC News, 2017).
Shortly afterward, Choi Jin-ri, known as Sulli and a former member of girl group f(x), was found dead in her home in October 2019. Sulli was known for being vocal about freedom of expression and women’s rights, but her boldness made her a target of severe online bullying. She often received hateful comments that disrupted her mental health (The Guardian, 2019).
Despite her courage, the continuous attacks pushed her deeper into isolation and despair. Then, Goo Hara, Sulli’s close friend and former member of KARA was passed away just weeks after Sulli’s death. Goo Hara also had a history of depression and had previously attempted suicide. In one interview, she stated that the entertainment world could be very “cold” and could make a person feel lonely even when surrounded by others (CNN, 2019).
In April 2023, the public was once again shocked by the death of Moonbin, a member of the group ASTRO, who was found dead in his apartment. Although no official statement was released about the cause, many fans speculated that industry pressure contributed to his condition. His passing revived discussions on mental health and the lack of preventive measures in the entertainment industry (Naver News, 2023).
This pressure doesn’t only come from agencies or tight work schedules, but also from Korean culture itself, which still stigmatizes mental health. Many artists are reluctant to seek professional help out of fear of being labeled weak on unprofessional. According to the Korea Biomedical Review (2022), rates of depression and anxiety among young celebrities have significantly increased. The stigma is so strong that some entertainers try to hide their emotional struggles, fearing that disclosure will harm their careers. Social media worsens this condition.
Artists are expected to always appear perfect and even a small mistake can lead to mass criticism. Cyberbullying has become a destructive force for many entertainers’ mental health. Although some agencies have started providing counseling, these efforts are still insufficient to address the systemic problem. Mental health is still not treated as a priority, but rather as an afterthough, even when it should be the foundation of sustainable career.
WHO (2021) states that’s mental health should be a priority in all sectors, including entertainment. A healthy work environment, sufficient rest time, and access to psychological services are basic needs that must be met. In South Korea, there is still a need for deep reform to eliminate stigma and create a mentally supportive entertainment ecosystem. Agency contracts should include mental health guarantees and entertainers should be given mandatory counseling sessions, not just optional ones that may be easily ignored.
Fans also play a vital role. Healthy emotional support, the understanding that idols are ordinary humans, and responsible use of social media can help create a safer space for entertainers. Public campaigns, education on mental health and anti-bullying movements must be promoted by the government, media, and global fan communities. One platforms, too, should take more responsibility in regulating hate speech and ensuring that entertainers are not subjected to constant harassment.
Globally, some countries have begun to recognize the importance of mental protection in the entertainment world. For example, in the United States, organizations such as SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild) provide counseling services and legal protection for artists. This model could serve as inspiration for South Korea in building a stronger support system. Additionally, UNESCO and WHO have global initiatives to raise awareness about mental health, which could be adapted within the context of Asia’s entertainment industry.
Cross-country collaboration and support from international organizations will be crucial in creating sustainable change. It is also worth exploring the role of education in shifting public perception. Schools and universities in South Korea should incorporate mental health literacy into their curricula. Teaching students about emotional well-being from a young age can help combat the stigma and build more empathetic generation of fans and professionals alike. In the long term, cultural change begins with understanding and compassion values that must be cultivated early.
To include, it is clear that the Korean entertainment world is not only about glamour but also field of intense pressure. The cases mentioned serve as reminders that entertainers are also human beings vulnerable to stress and pain. It is important for us, the public, to be more emphatetic and aware that behind their outstanding performances, there are unseen personal struggles. Let us turn these tragedies into lessons and motivation to build a more humane system within the entertainment industry. Because no achievement is worth the loss of a human life.
By: Cahya Nayla Sujudi
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