Blog 2: Inside the Spotlight – Mental Health in K-Pop and Beyond (Episodes 4–6)

Published on 17 May 2025 at 10:13

Personal Reflections

Episodes 4 through 6 got personal. As a fan of K-pop, I’ve admired idols’ strength, but I’ve also noticed the pain behind their smiles. I saw parts of myself in their struggles with perfectionism and public pressure. These episodes helped me reflect on the high expectations I put on myself—academically, emotionally, and socially.

Real-World Example

Moonbin’s passing in 2023 left a painful mark on the K-pop world. Alongside Jonghyun, Sulli, and Goo Hara, his loss highlighted the mental health crisis in the entertainment industry. It’s a reminder that fame doesn’t protect anyone from depression. Mental health care isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline.

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Unique Insights

These episodes connect the dots between personality type, social media, and stress management. Learning how INFJs (like me) process internal stress reminded me to give myself grace. I also found value in the reminder that everyone needs rest—even those who seem the strongest. And perhaps the most eye-opening part was recognizing how social media can both heal and harm.

Practical Takeaways

Take a social media break when comparison kicks in.
Respect your energy limits. Even idols take mental health breaks.
Check in with your inner circle—especially the quiet ones.
Practice mindful breathing or journaling to decompress.
Build a healing playlist: “Blue & Grey” (BTS), “Breathe” (Lee Hi), “Don’t Wanna Cry” (SEVENTEEN).