Mental illness can affect anyone, even your favorite pop stars. Financial Times cited that many musicians refuse to cancel shows even when their health isn’t great because several people depend on them to make a living. According to Help Musicians UK counselor Sara Ascenso, “Musicians often mention that because their profession is such a central element to their identity, it can be hard to dissociate their sense of self from their work identity. As a result, it can be hard to dissociate the value attributed to their performances—that naturally will oscillate in quality—from their evaluation of their self-worth.”
Fortunately, Mina of Korean girl group TWICE is taking necessary steps for her mental health by opting out of the upcoming stops of their world tour. Their management, JYP Entertainment shared the news on the group’s fan message board yesterday: “Mina is currently struggling with sudden extreme anxiety and insecurity towards performing on stage.”
JYPE added they’re currently “consulting with several professionals” to find out Mina’s exact diagnosis. “Health of our artist is our top priority, so we will do everything possible to provide the best possible measures including medical treatment and sufficient rest for Mina’s recovery.”
In South Korea, there’s still a stigma surrounding mental health. According to Korea Herald in 2017, “[one] in [four] Koreans experience a mental health disorder at least once in their life with only [one] in 10 pursuing professional help.”In the K-pop world, many artists are said to have difficulty addressing their mental health struggles due to their high profiles and the stigma around it.
So this move by JYPE is especially important because it sends a message that they care about their artists’ well-being. They know their artists won’t be able to give their best on stage if their health isn’t 100 percent.
Meanwhile, fans have also posted messages of love via the hashtag #GetWellSoonMina.
Get well soon, Mina!
[Allure]
Photo courtesy of @minajype’s Instagram account
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