RM of BTS Candidly Discusses Jonghyun’s Tragic Passing and the K-Pop Industry’s Mental Health Imperative

The devastating news of SHINee member Jonghyun’s passing in December 2017 sent shockwaves not only through the K-pop community but across the globe, deeply impacting fans and fellow artists alike. For the first time, RM, the thoughtful leader of the global phenomenon BTS, has opened up about how this profound tragedy personally affected him and his bandmates, shedding light on the silent struggles many face within the high-pressure entertainment industry.

BTS Addresses Mental Health: A Timely Conversation

In a significant February 15 interview for the cover ofBillboard, the members of BTS – Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook – bravely confronted the sensitive and often stigmatized issues of suicide and depression prevalent in South Korea. Their willingness to engage in such a candid discussion marks a crucial step in destigmatizing mental health struggles, particularly within the competitive and demanding world of K-pop. Jonghyun’s passing served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for open dialogue and robust support systems for artists.

RM’s Personal Grief and the Industry’s Shared Burden

When Jonghyun tragically took his own life in December 2017, the K-pop community mourned deeply. RM vividly recalled the profound impact of that period, stating, “We went to give our condolences that morning. I couldn’t sleep at all that night. It was so shocking, because we had seen him so often at events. He was so successful.” This powerful statement underscores the unexpected nature of Jonghyun’s struggle for many, even those who knew him professionally, revealing that success and outward appearances often mask profound internal battles that can affect anyone, regardless of their public image.

BTS, like countless other K-pop groups and artists, paid their respects at Jonghyun’s funeral, an event that highlighted the close-knit yet incredibly demanding nature of the industry. The image of BTS members walking to the funeral hall at the Asan Medical Center in Seoul on December 18, alongside other prominent K-pop figures like Girls’ Generation, NCT, and BoA, painted a poignant picture of collective grief. It was a moment of somber unity, where rivalries faded in the face of shared sorrow and a burgeoning concern for mental well-being within their shared profession. Suga, known for his thoughtful and introspective nature, echoed RM’s sentiments, adding, “It was a shock to everyone. And I really sympathized with him.” His words reflect a deeper understanding of the immense pressures that can lead to such despair, acknowledging a shared vulnerability that transcends individual fame or group affiliation.

Understanding the Pressures: Life as a K-Pop Idol

The K-pop industry is renowned for its intense training regimens, meticulous image management, and unrelenting public scrutiny. Idols often begin their journey as trainees at a very young age, enduring years of rigorous vocal, dance, and performance lessons, coupled with strict diets, limited social interactions, and rigorous behavioral standards. This demanding environment, while producing incredibly talented and polished artists admired globally, can take a severe toll on mental health. The constant pressure to maintain an image of perfection, both aesthetically and professionally, leaves little room for vulnerability, personal struggle, or genuine self-expression without fear of judgment. Fans worldwide adore these artists for their seemingly flawless personas, but behind the dazzling stage lights lie immense expectations and often, profound isolation.

The narrative of the successful K-pop idol frequently overlooks the personal sacrifices made and the extraordinary mental fortitude required to navigate such a high-stakes career. Artists are often bound by tight contracts, which can significantly limit their autonomy over their schedules, creative output, and even their personal relationships. The relentless cycle of album comebacks, extensive world tours, and constant public appearances can lead to severe burnout, chronic anxiety, and depression. Jonghyun, a beloved and immensely talented artist known for his lyrical depth and powerful vocals, was a stark and tragic reminder that even those who achieve the highest levels of success and creative fulfillment are not immune to these systemic pressures. His death galvanized a crucial, albeit overdue, conversation about the urgent need for entertainment companies to prioritize the mental health of their artists, implementing better support systems, facilitating mental health breaks, and ensuring accessible professional psychological help.

Societal Stress in South Korea: A Generational Burden

RM’s insights extend beyond the confines of the entertainment industry, courageously touching upon broader societal issues in South Korea. He articulates the immense stress faced by his generation, connecting personal struggles to larger systemic problems that permeate daily life. “Honestly, from our standpoint, every day is stressful for our generation,” he explains. “It’s hard to get a job, it’s harder to attend college now more than ever… adults need to create policies that can facilitate that overall social change. Right now, the privileged class, the upper class needs to change the way they think.” This statement is a powerful indictment of the socio-economic pressures that pervade South Korean society, where fierce competition for academic and professional success often leads to widespread anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness among young people.

South Korea grapples with one of the highest suicide rates among developed nations, a stark and somber indicator of these underlying societal issues. The intense academic competition, the demanding and often unforgiving work culture, and the strong cultural emphasis on external validation and societal ranking can collectively create an environment where individuals feel immense pressure to conform and succeed at all costs, frequently at the expense of their mental and emotional well-being. RM’s poignant call for policy changes by the “privileged class” highlights the belief that fundamental systemic reforms are necessary to alleviate this heavy generational burden. It suggests that individual resilience and self-care alone are insufficient; a more compassionate, equitable, and supportive society must be fostered through top-down initiatives that prioritize human well-being and mental health over relentless competition and material success.

BTS as Catalysts for Change: A Global Message of Hope

BTS has consistently used their immense global platform to advocate for crucial messages of self-love, mental health awareness, and positive social change. Their groundbreaking “Love Yourself” campaign, launched in partnership with UNICEF, stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to these vital issues. By openly discussing their own struggles, vulnerabilities, and promoting powerful messages of acceptance, self-worth, and resilience, they have become incredibly powerful role models and sources of comfort for millions worldwide. Their courage and willingness to engage in difficult conversations, such as this one regarding Jonghyun’s passing and the systemic pressures of modern life, further solidifies their role as more than just entertainers; they are profound voices for a generation yearning for understanding, empathy, and change.

Suga further emphasized the universal nature of these challenges, noting, “And this isn’t just Korea, but the rest of the world. The reason why our music resonates with people around the world who are in their teens, 20s and 30s is because of these issues.” This observation is profoundly crucial. The pressures of modern society – including job insecurity, intense academic stress, the pervasive anxiety fueled by social media, and the universal search for identity and belonging – are global phenomena. BTS’s music, often deeply infused with themes of struggle, perseverance, resilience, and hope, provides immense solace and validation to young people across incredibly diverse cultures and backgrounds. Their remarkable ability to articulate these shared human experiences has forged an exceptionally deep and meaningful connection with their fanbase, creating a supportive community where mental health is increasingly discussed with reduced stigma and enhanced understanding.

Continuing the Conversation for a Healthier Future

The conversation initiated by BTS in their Billboard interview is more critical and timely than ever before. It serves as a poignant reminder that mental health is a universal human concern that transcends national borders, industries, and social strata. The K-pop industry, in particular, has a profound responsibility to evolve and provide comprehensive, accessible mental health support for its artists, ensuring that the relentless pursuit of dreams does not come at the devastating cost of personal well-being. Similarly, societies worldwide need to critically re-evaluate the immense pressures placed on younger generations and actively work towards creating environments that foster mental resilience, emotional well-being, and open, supportive dialogue.

Hopefully, influential groups like BTS will continue to step forward and courageously have conversations about issues like these, pushing for greater awareness and tangible change. Their bravery in speaking out encourages countless others – both within the demanding entertainment industry and far beyond – to seek help, offer vital support, and passionately advocate for systemic changes that unequivocally prioritize mental health as a fundamental aspect of human welfare. By fostering a global culture of empathy, understanding, and proactive support, we can collectively work towards a future where individuals everywhere feel empowered to address their mental health needs without fear or judgment, truly embodying the powerful message of self-love and profound societal care.

You can click through the gallery, attached, to see all of BTS’ different covers for Billboard.

HollywoodLifers, what do you think of BTS’ candid interview and their ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy?