Inside BTS Member Jungkook's Battle for Mental Health and Burnout

In 2020, as a member of the South Korean boy band BTS, Jungkook faced the challenges inherent in fame and the pressures of the music industry. Although he did not publicly disclose any struggles with depression, he and his group members spoke more openly about mental health issues that year, emphasizing the importance of addressing and seeking help for these topics.

Behind-the-Scenes Emotions

For many artists, 2020 was a testing time, but Jungkook, like many of his musical peers, had his own battles. He experienced burnout, a common occurrence for individuals under constant public and professional scrutiny. This burnout was so severe that he expressed it through his song 'Abyss.' In a candid post on Weverse, Jungkook revealed his recent burnout after achieving a number one position on the Billboard Hot 100. Rather than bottling it up, he shared,

"Recently, I was hit by a severe feeling of burnout. People around me congratulated me, but I started wondering if I was entitled to such recognition. After consulting with professionals, I felt relieved and was able to cope better."

He also used the introspective lyrics of 'Abyss' to reveal a more vulnerable side of himself, stating, "I dont normally want to share it, but I think its okay to show a different persona through music." This candidness also reflects a broader trend among BTS members in opening up more about their personal struggles.

Addressing Depression in the Industry

In a recent episode of 'Let’s BTS,' J inscreen time was minimal, indicating that even within the group, there were topics that needed delicate handling. J spoke about discussing more depressive and sad subjects, further emphasizing the importance of not always projecting a happy image. While his actions might have initially caused upset among fans, it was later clarified that the reduced screen time was his request as he did not want to reveal such personal topics to the audience.

These instances highlight the ongoing battle against the pressure to maintain a certain public image, especially in the intense entertainment industry. It is crucial that these matters are addressed with sensitivity and openness.

Hope and Support

Ultimately, it is hoped that Jungkook has recovered from his burnout and can continue to share his authentic self with fans and the wider public. Encouraging young artists and celebrities to embrace vulnerability and mental health discourse is paramount. After all, as he reminds us, 'you are the most important person,' and hiding one's true feelings can often lead to more harm than good in the long run.