In a candid and emotionally charged conversation on Suga's show, Suchwita, BTS member Kim Taehyung, popularly known as V, shared his deeply personal experience of battling negative thoughts and exhaustion during the group's demanding schedule. V's revelation sheds light on the pressures faced by K-pop idols and emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness within the entertainment industry.
V, the final BTS member to appear on Suchwita, discussed a challenging period in 2018 when he found himself overwhelmed by the group's relentless schedule. He admitted to having contemplated harming himself as a desperate measure to secure some much-needed rest.
Opening up about his emotional struggles, V expressed, “I have never said this before. It’s my first time telling this to fans through Suchwita because people don’t know why we were having such a hard time or why we were struggling so much. There’s no one who can understand.”
Suga, his fellow BTS member, corroborated V's feelings of exhaustion, explaining that during that period, everyone in the group felt worn out. They both discussed the challenges they faced while trying to balance their demanding careers with their personal well-being.
V shared the internal conflict he experienced during that time, saying, "It’s like after some time had passed, I started to compare myself to others, 'Because my pace is slower than the members' and 'my thoughts are a bit different, is that why am I more burned out?' I thought this a lot. Whenever I looked at our members when we perform, the members are so perfect and they enjoy the stage. But why am I only one like this? Is what I thought at that time. So relatively my burnout was severe.”
Suga highlighted the importance of prioritizing happiness and celebrating their accomplishments instead of continually pushing themselves to meet unrealistic expectations. Unfortunately, the pressure to excel and maintain a certain image can take a toll on the mental and emotional well-being of K-pop idols, as V's story reflects.
V confessed that his exhaustion had reached a point where he contemplated injuring himself in hopes of obtaining some respite from their grueling schedule. He shared an instance when he asked if they could take a day off from dance practice but was met with the commitment to their comeback preparations. These circumstances led him to think about ways he could force himself to rest, including self-inflicted harm.
However, V emphasized his desire to change his past mindset and the importance of acknowledging and addressing these struggles. His openness about his difficulties contributes to the ongoing conversation about mental health awareness in the entertainment industry, particularly within the high-pressure world of K-pop.
The BTS members have gradually shared their personal challenges and experiences, promoting a message of resilience and the importance of seeking help when needed. Their candid discussions serve as a reminder that even global superstars like BTS face their share of hardships and that addressing mental health issues is essential for everyone's well-being.
Currently, BTS is on a hiatus to pursue their solo careers, a decision that allows them to focus on individual creative endeavors while also attending to their mental and emotional well-being. This move underscores the importance of self-care and balance within the entertainment industry, offering a valuable lesson for both fans and fellow artists.
