Kang Daniel is the latest Kpop idol to declare a temporary break to focus on his mental health. According to his agency, the former WANNA One member will be unable to carry out promotions for his latest comeback, Touchin', because of depression and panic disorder.
Based on the statement released by KONNECT Entertainment, Kang Daniel sought treatment for a weak immune system and psychological anxiety early in the year. Doctors reportedly diagnosed the idol with depression and panic disorder and recommended that he take a break to receive psychotherapy and medication, Soompi reported.
The label stated that although Kang Daniel tried to soldier on to fulfill his commitments, they had no choice but to pull out of the pre-recording for MBC's Show Champion because he showed signs of severe anxiety.
"We express our apologies for causing you so much worry and concern and making it so that you were not able to sleep. He is stable and is being taken care of by the agency staff and his family. As an agency, we deeply feel that we must take responsibility for the protection of our artist, and we once again promise to do everything possible to put that into practice," the label said. KONNECT Entertainment further appealed to the public to stop speculating about Kang Daniel's condition.
Kang Daniel is not the first artist to go on hiatus to focus on mental health this year. It can be recalled that TWICE's Mina was unable to join the promotion for TWICE's latest comeback Feel Special because of anxiety. JYP Entertainment announced that Mina's return would depend on her recovery. However, fans were happy to see Mina attend a recent TWICE fan meeting and participate in the performance with her members.
SEVENTEEN leader S.coups was also sidelined from the group's activities after he showed symptoms of anxiety. His agency, Pledis Entertainment, apologized to the fans for putting S.coups on hiatus but maintained that they made their decision to ensure the welfare of their artist, All Kpop reported.
The recent deaths of Kpop artists Sulli, Goo Hara and Cha In Ha in the space of two months have made labels even more alert about the mental health of their artists. Celebrity suicides have also highlighted the plight of idols who suffer from the pressure of maintaining perfect images amid criticism and judgment received from anonymous online critics.
In an interview, SHINEE's Taemin confided that the price of fame weighs heavy on Kpop idols like himself. He said that he had to self manage because he had no privacy. He said he had to try to be careful not to get in any trouble lest he is the subject of scandal.
