How BTS is challenging ‘cutthroat’ K-pop culture by taking a break: the group is defying suffocating fan and industry expectations by prioritising their mental health

Dec 13 , 2021

The suicides of Shinee’s Jonghyun, actress-singer Sulli and Goo Hara drew attention to Korea’s mental health crisis and the immense pressure K-pop stars face

While many praise BTS for taking a stance, experts say their international success, and gender, gives them disproportionately more power than other artists

After achieving unprecedented international success for an East Asian act, racking up Grammy nominations, numerous No 1 hits, and generally storming the global pop culture conversation, BTS is taking a much-needed break. “This period of rest will provide the members of BTS, who have tirelessly committed themselves to their activities, a chance to get re-inspired and recharge with creative energy,” the group’s management team, Big Hit, said in a statement on Sunday.

It’s a cutthroat agency .... You’re practically owned by the company … and grow up in such a high pressure, high visibility profession. You’ve also got to perform 24/7 to your fandom – not just the expectation to be available, but also being perfect all the time

Joanna Elfving-Hwang, director, Korea Research Centre, University of Western Australia

V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of BTS arrive at the 2021 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted on November 21. Photo: Reuters

“It will also be the first time since their debut for them to spend the holiday season with their families. We kindly ask once again that you show consideration for their need to enjoy ordinary and free everyday lives while solely concentrating on themselves, albeit for a short while, during their period of rest. BTS will be focusing on preparing for the concert and release of the new album that will mark the beginning of a new chapter.”

Though the news may be disappointing to the band’s notoriously overzealous fan Army, experts say it’s admirable for the group to prioritise their well-being in a culture and industry plagued by mental health taboos. South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates among developed countries, and has seen string of suicides in its music industry, including Shinee’s lead singer Kim Jonghyun and solo star Sulli.

K-pop star Kim Jong-hyun of popular K-pop boy band Shinee bemoaned feeling “broken from inside” and “engulfed” by depression in a suicide note as his death, in 2017, sent shock waves across K-pop fans worldwide. Photo: AFP

“Everyone needs a break, and that is a really powerful message,” says Joanna Elfving-Hwang, an associate professor and director of the Korea Research Centre at the University of Western Australia. “BTS is a global phenomenon, and publicly saying they need time for themselves breaks the mould of the typical image of the K-pop industry, which is 24/7 availability.”

Why is South Korea’s suicide rate so high?

South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates globally among developed nations. Photo: EPA-EFE

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