On July 24th, GOT7 member and solo singer BamBam worried fans with his recent SNS post. He wrote, “I just want to asleep and don’t wake up, so I can finally rest”. As fans raised concerns over his condition, BamBam explained, “It was a lot of pressure and stress, and since my body not really feel so well for a long time now, sometimes I’m getting sensitive and emotional. Sorry if I caused any worry”. BamBam is preparing for his solo comeback next month. Fans fell relieved knowing that the male singer’s condition with pressure is due to his new album and comeback.
Although BamBam’s message may seem serious, experts say that BamBam’s case is not the worst. From a psychological perspective, expressing feelings of depression or distress is considered a positive sign. Bigger problems may arise when someone cannot express their feelings and repressing negative feelings inside can lead to worse situations.
Many idols have ended up taking their own lives due to depression and mental issues. After such tragedies, the music industry has taken measures to prevent recurrences. Many agencies are now prioritizing mental health care for their artists. The most basic thing is providing a counseling system so that artists can share their mental problems with experts and prevent them from suppressing feelings inside. If necessary, psychiatric prescriptions and medications are also provided.
An official said, “Compared to the past, entertainment agencies are now paying more attention to their artists’ mental health and taking better care of them. Big agencies also initiated creating a healthy environment where their artists can comfortably seek counseling when facing psychological difficulties”, adding “Idols are now encouraged to take regular mental health check-ups and care through a structured system from ever since their trainee days.”
Agencies are also listening to their artists’ mental problems and taking practical measures. Most people agree that the caring system has improved significantly compared to the past when group activities and schedules were considered more important. Of course, group promotion is still important, but the condition of the team members is now highly prioritized. An insider stated, “Companies have established internal systems and processes to allow their artists to comfortably confess their issues and condition. If an artist experiences mental or physical difficulties, they are allowed to take a break without hesitation.”
In fact, a member’s hiatus from group activities was considered a serious matter for the agency, the group, and fans in the past. However, people have begun to accept the importance of artists’ condition after several cases.
Idols are now allowed to go on vacations and take a break more regularly to prevent physical exhaustion, just like holidays for students and vacations for office workers. Another insider said, “Artists are given appropriate vacations according to their schedule like other employees in the company”.
Taking strict legal action against malicious commenters, who are normally the main cause of idol’s mental suffering, is also part of the agencies’ protection of their artists. As these malicious commenters have expanded to all SNS sites, agencies are also working harder to sue them and protect their artists.
