SEVENTEEN Seungkwan: Member of the South Korean boyband SEVENTEEN, Seungkwan recently shared a heartbreaking note on Instagram. In the note, the k-pop icon talked about mistreatment given to celebrities and constant pressure that they live under in the name of perfectionism.
This letter comes amid the controversy surrounding entertainment company HYBE, which has been under scrutiny after its internal documents revealed the harsh criticism given to the the idols of other agencies like JYP, SM and YG Entertainment.
The long letter starts with Seungkwan telling people that he does not want to see them hurting each other anymore. He goes on to share how he waited for time to heal things, but that has not happened. “As I’ve watched everything that has happened over time, I kept moving forward with the hope that somehow, things would pass, holding back my emotions and working hard with the members, just as I’ve always done. But now, watching and waiting for the fire to die out is no longer an option. For my people who are getting hurt – my fans and my members – for all my colleagues who are working hard at this very moment, I feel I can no longer remain silent,” he wrote.
See the post here:
Seungkwan added that he is aware how this post may look like “meddling” to few, while others may see it as a “rash statement”. But it was time that he speak on that matter. “Being a celebrity is a path I chose, and there are parts I must endure since I receive so much love. But I don’t believe it’s a job where I should have to endure to the point of hurting myself, tearing myself down to the brink of collapse just to hold on,” Seungkan shared. He further mentions about the pain he has been enduing for a long time now, that too in the name of being a public figure,
The k-pop icon said all he tries to do is give his best and repay his fans, who love him unconditionally. However, “the burden, pressure, physical and mental fatigue”, which comes with the love, are too overwhelming and unbearable for him. “Because I chose this path, I am supposed to bear the weight of it, but today, that reason feels so merciless and harsh,” he added.
He went on, “Some days are bright, and others are cloudy – today is a particularly cloudy day for me. Have I not had days where I tried to face things positively? Have I not tried to smile, no matter what? But today it’s not easy, and I feel heartbroken for those who are hurting at this very moment. It’s frustrating that I cannot embrace everyone. I wonder if my clumsy words can resonate or offer comfort.”
Detailing the condition of k-pop idols and how they continue to live despite all the negativity around, he shared, “Including my members, the colleagues and friends I know in the large K-pop industry are people who genuinely love what they do. Because of their deep sincerity, they get hurt, and because of their great love, they sometimes feel empty. But day by day, they live, giving and receiving love for themselves, their members, their families and fans.”
“This is something I want to make clear: These are not people who live ordinary, easy lives to be so casually judged and discussed. They have felt pain, they have fallen and they still push forward with all they have to show their best on stage, for their fans. I wish people wouldn’t take idols lightly.”
He clarified that being an artiste no where gives anyone the right to get involved and personal. “You don’t have the right to easily involve yourself in our story. This goes not just for us but for other artists, too. We are not your commodities. I hope you don’t think you can just use us however you like,” he explained, adding, “Even with just a week of music shows, all our energy is drained. On top of that, there are ads, events, concerts and other schedules. Despite this, nowadays, there are many colleagues who greet me warmly with a smile, even more than I do. Every time they greet us with a powerful smile, I am grateful. Even a line from a message written in an album can uplift my spirits on a tiring day. All I want is for everyone to be healthy and free of pain.”
He ended the note by asking people to support each other and be a little warm and welcoming. “Though I should be the first to make an effort, I wish we could all be a little warmer. If we could view, support and love each other warmly, things might get a bit better. I truly dislike watching someone break down. I hope we can stop causing wounds we can’t take responsibility for. That’s my earnest wish. I no longer want to see my members, our hardworking colleagues, the dedicated staff and our fans who genuinely care, getting hurt. To the fans who continue to love us warmly, I want to say I am sorry and I love you,” he concluded.
