The Internal Causes of Pressure and Anxiety in the Living Environment of K-pop Idols

Abstract

K-pop idols play a crucial role in South Korea’s cultural and economic development, with numerous new groups emerging annually. They present a polished image that promotes the country, but behind this facade lies significant mental health distress. This paper aims to analyze the long-term mental health issues faced by K-pop idols, highlighting the need for increased awareness and intervention to address these challenges. The study employs case analysis to investigate this issue. Reviewing historical materials and news reports identifies numerous instances of extreme behavior by idols suffering from mental illness. The paper focuses on a particularly representative case, detailing how intense industry pressures and personal struggles culminated in the idol’s suicide. Further analysis of various cases reveals two primary causes of mental health issues among K-pop idols. This study aims to shed light on the harsh realities faced by K-pop idols and advocates for greater attention to their mental health, hoping to mitigate the severe consequences of this ongoing issue.