A chain of losses
In November 2019, Goo Hara, a member of the K-pop girl group Kara, took her own life at the age of 28. Weeks earlier, her close friend Sulli, another K-pop star, had done the same at age 25. This year, the industry mourned the loss of ASTRO member Moonbin, 25, and actress Jung Chae-yull, 26. These deaths are not isolated tragedies, but part of a pattern that reflects broader mental health issues within the entertainment industry in South Korea. The suicide rate in South Korea is the highest among OECD countries, with 25.2 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. For more than a decade, suicide has been the leading cause of death among 10 South Koreans. at 24 years old. In the high-pressure world of K-pop, this national crisis is manifesting with alarming clarity.
The price of perfection
The K-pop industry is a well-oiled machine that begins molding stars, or “idols,” from early adolescence. Trainees undergo years of arduous practice schedules, strict diets, and rigid rules of behavior. They sacrifice their youth to meet the industry’s demanding standards. Once they debut, the pressure only increases. Idols are expected to maintain impeccable images, excelling not only in singing and dancing, but also in acting, public appearances, and social media management. Mistakes, no matter how minor, often draw harsh criticism from fans and the public. Cyberbullying and privacy invasions are rampant, and idols’ appearances, personal lives, and even relationships are subject to intense scrutiny.
“Being a K-pop idol is like living under a microscope,” said Dr. Lee Soo-jin, a Seoul-based psychologist specializing in celebrity mental health. “Every aspect of their lives is judged, and the pressure to perform perfectly can be overwhelming.”
A culture of silence
South Korea’s cultural emphasis on achievement and conformity further exacerbates the mental health crisis. Seeking help for psychological problems remains stigmatized, particularly among public figures. Many idols fear that admitting mental health problems could damage their careers.
Goo Hara’s life epitomized these challenges. Abandoned by her parents in childhood, she rose to fame with Kara, but struggled to find stability after the group disbanded. Following a high-profile legal battle with an abusive ex-boyfriend, Goo became the target of relentless online harassment. His public attempts to address these issues were met with criticism rather than empathy.
“She was the kind of person who didn’t express her struggles much, and kept things to herself,” said Choi Ran, a makeup artist who worked closely with Goo. “The industry leaves no room for vulnerability.”
The fan factor
K-pop’s intense fan culture compounds idols’ mental health struggles. Fans often develop parasocial relationships with idols, feeling deeply connected to them despite having no personal interactions. Although this devotion may provide a sense of purpose for some idols, it also creates grueling demands.
“You’re supposed to be everything to everyone,” said one former idol who spoke on condition of anonymity. «Perfectly relatable, but also untouchable. “It’s exhausting.”
The dark side of fandom includes cyberbullying and doxing, where fans use social media as weapons to enforce their expectations. Idols who do not meet these standards face torrents of abuse, which can have devastating psychological effects.
Efforts to reform
Recognizing the growing crisis, some entertainment agencies have begun implementing mental health initiatives. Hybe Corporation, the agency behind BTS and NewJeans, now allows trainees to take mental health breaks and has hired an in-house psychiatrist. However, these efforts remain rare and largely insufficient to address systemic problems.
Government intervention has also been insufficient. Despite suicide prevention programs launched in 2004, South Korea faces a shortage of resources and underfunded mental health services. Experts argue that both the entertainment industry and the government must do more to protect vulnerable people.
A way forward
The suicides of idols like Goo Hara and Sulli have fueled public conversations about mental health, but the stigma persists. Activists and psychologists call for comprehensive reforms, including mandatory counseling for idols, stricter regulations on fan behavior and stronger laws against cyberbullying.
“Change will not happen overnight,” Dr. Lee said. «But the industry and society must recognize that these young people are human beings, not just products. “Your mental health must be a priority.”
As the world continues to celebrate the cultural impact of K-pop, it must also reflect on the invisible cost borne by the stars who bring it to life. For fans, colleagues and loved ones grieving the loss of idols, there remains hope that these tragedies will lead to meaningful change.
“We loved them because they gave us so much of themselves,” said one fan at a memorial for Goo Hara in Seoul. “But maybe we should have given them more love in return.”
Note: this is an article republished from the media “Financial Express” through a cooperation agreement between both parties for the dissemination of journalistic content. original link.
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