NEWJEANS HYEIN – NCT Renjun goes on hiatus. Is it because of the hellish schedules forced on K-pop stars?
Recently, the number of K-pop idol group members who are suspending their activities due to health problems has been increasing, raising concerns.
On the 9th, news broke that Yoo Ina, a member of the girl group Candy Shop, is taking a break from her activities. The agency said, “Yoo Inna has temporarily suspended her activities due to health reasons. We had an in-depth discussion with her about this, and after careful consideration, we decided to respect the artist’s wishes and temporarily suspend her activities.”
Yooina is not expected to participate in any future scheduled events. In addition, Candy Shop plans to recruit new members in Yoo Ina’s absence. “We will continue our activities as a four-member group with new members,” the agency said, adding, “We promise to give our full support and best efforts to help Candy Shop continue to perform well.”
Candy Shop made their debut in the music industry in March with the release of their first mini album “Hashtage#”. Just two months after their debut, the group had to change members due to health issues.
Earlier, on the 8th, news of girl group NEWJEANS HYEIN’s suspension of activities was also reported. HYEIN suffered a microfracture in the instep of her foot, forcing her to withdraw from comeback activities.
Her agency ADOR announced on their official fan community Weavers that day, “HYEIN had pain in her ankle during practice in April and underwent a detailed examination and a microfracture was found. She was dedicated to her recovery, but was advised by the medical staff to minimise any movements that could strain her ankle.”
NEWJEANS is set to make a comeback on the 24th with a double single featuring their new songs “How Sweet” and “Bubble Gum”. HYEIN has decided to focus on resting and not participating in official activities, but will be flexible on some schedules.
ADOR stated, “Depending on our physical condition and the medical staff’s opinion, we will be flexible with our schedules other than music broadcasts/performances,” adding, “We will do our best to be with our fans when we are healthy again.”
Boy group NCT’s Renjun has also suspended his activities to focus on treatment and recovery. On the 20th of last month, the agency stated, “Renjun recently visited a hospital due to poor physical condition and anxiety, and after examination, the medical staff concluded that he needs to rest and rest.” After careful discussion, the agency and Renjun decided that his health should come first.
Renjun has since cancelled his scheduled autograph session. He also missed NCT Dream’s third solo concert tour, “2024 NCT DREAM WORLD TOUR ‘The Dream Show 3: Dream Escape'” on the 4th, much to the disappointment of fans and members alike.
Girl group Lapilus Shanti has also suspended their activities indefinitely. On the 5th of last month, her agency MLD Entertainment said that Shanti had been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome and had improved with continuous medical treatment, but the decision was made out of concern that intense group music activities could cause her symptoms to recur and put her health at risk.
The agency added, “Shanti will remain a member of Lapilus and continue her individual activities. However, her participation in group activities as a singer will be put on hold indefinitely.”
In other news, Joo Chang Wook, a member of boy group Driphin, suspended his activities earlier this year due to a respiratory illness. His health has recently improved and he has resumed his activities, but his participation is expected to be flexible depending on his physical condition.
In recent years, there have been a number of K-pop stars who have taken time off due to health issues. While it’s disappointing to see them leave their fans’ side for a while, there is a wave of support for those who choose to take a break from their busy schedules to take care of their health.