…Researched and contributed by Jack Sylva.
K-Pop, a genre of popular music originating from South Korea, has gained global recognition over the years, with its stars attracting a massive following worldwide.
Unfortunately, the industry is not without its flaws, and the untimely death of K-Pop star Moonbin is a reminder of the mental health crisis that plagues the industry.
Moonbin, a member of the popular boy band Astro, died in a suspected suicide at the age of 25, highlighting the need to address the toxic combination of social media pressure, body image expectations, and other factors that have led to multiple tragedies in the industry.
The High Pressure Associated with South Korean Music Industry is Labelled Toxic
K-Pop has been an enormous economic success in South Korea, with the country now a hub for the industry.
However, the industry’s high-pressure environment has contributed to a mental health crisis among stars, with several taking their own lives in recent years.
South Korea has one of the highest rates of suicide in the world, and many South Koreans report being stressed, with up to 95 percent experiencing this.
The taboo surrounding discussions of mental health issues in the country is not lost on K-Pop stars, who are under intense pressure to maintain perfect looks, performance, and discipline.
Amber Liu, a K-Pop artist, recently spoke out about the industry’s dark underbelly, revealing the pressure stars face.
Moonbin:
A Victim of the Industry
Moonbin’s death comes as yet another tragic loss to the K-Pop community.
The 25-year-old boy band member was found dead in his home in Seoul, believed to have taken his own life.
Moonbin was a singer, actor, dancer, and model, best known for his role in Astro, where he was part of the original lineup, debuting in 2016.
His death has sent shockwaves across the K-Pop community, with his label issuing a statement expressing deep sadness and shock.
Moonbin’s death is a reminder of the mental health crisis in the industry, with many stars struggling to cope with the pressures of the industry.
Other Tragic Cases of Misfortunes in the K-Pop Industry
Moonbin is not the only K-Pop star to have lost their life tragically.
The K-Pop industry has seen a string of deaths, from suicides to other misfortunes.
Lee Ji Han, a 24-year-old actor and singer, was one of the dozens of victims of a crush at Halloween celebrations in Seoul last October.
Kim Jong-hyun, the lead singer of Shinee, a popular K-Pop boy band, took his own life in 2017, with his final message to his sister being a heartbreaking plea for help.
Sulli, a K-Pop star and actor, was found dead in her home in Seongnam in 2019, with many blaming the online abuse and homophobia she faced.
Goo Hara, a former member of the K-Pop group Kara, died a suspected suicide in 2019, after being through a difficult time due to a sex tape scandal.
Cha In-Ha, a member of the acting troupe Suprise U, also took his own life in 2019, drawing comparisons with the earlier deaths of Sulli and Hara.
Conclusion
K-Pop stars have become global icons, but the industry’s high-pressure environment and mental health crisis have led to multiple tragedies, from suicides to other misfortunes.
The industry needs to address these issues urgently, with stakeholders ensuring that artists receive adequate support and guidance.
The death of Moonbin is a reminder that the industry needs to prioritize the mental health of its stars, with stakeholders providing