K-pop Star Hwasa opens up about panic attacks and hearing loss after intense public scrutiny

Time of India

a day ago

K-pop star Hwasa of MAMAMOO recently revealed her struggles with panic attacks and hearing problems stemming from intense public scrutiny after a controversial performance. The backlash deeply affected her, even prompting concern from her mother, who initially struggled to understand Hwasa's artistic choices.
Being a celebrity in the age of social media can be brutal, and K-pop star Hwasa from MAMAMOO knows this all too well. The talented singer recently opened up about her struggles with panic attacks and hearing problems that developed after facing intense public scrutiny.
On July 13th's episode of a popular variety show, Hwasa made a candid confession about the mental health challenges she faced following a controversial performance at a university festival last year. The backlash was so severe that it triggered panic symptoms that she's still dealing with today.
What makes this story particularly heart-wrenching is how it affected her relationship with her family. Hwasa revealed that when the criticism reached its peak, her mother texted her for the first time asking, "Is our daughter okay?"
The Universal Struggle of Creative Expression
The emotional moment came when Hwasa shared how her mother's perspective changed.
Despite years of not understanding her daughter's bold artistic expression, her mother eventually told her, "I'm proud of our daughter".
Hwasa's panic attacks became so severe that she ex here her staff members instinctively embraced her simultaneously. She described how their unconscious protective instinct moved her to tears, highlighting the importance of having a supportive work family - something that resonates with anyone who's found their chosen family in colleagues or friends when biological family doesn't understand their path.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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The Hidden Cost of Live Performances
Beyond the mental health struggles, Hwasa also revealed a shocking physical consequence of her career - hearing damage. She explained how the crowd's screams were so loud that even with her in-ear monitors at maximum volume, she couldn't hear properly. The dangerous cycle of turning up the volume to dangerous levels to compensate for the noise ultimately led to her eardrum being damaged when her in-ear monitor "exploded".
This revelation sheds light on the often-overlooked occupational hazards that performers face. It's similar to how many young people working in loud environments - from DJs at clubs to sound engineers at events - often ignore the long-term consequences of noise exposure. In our bustling cities where noise pollution is already a concern, this serves as a stark reminder about protecting our hearing health.
When asked about her current condition, Hwasa shared that while she doesn't label it as "panic disorder," she still experiences inexplicably anxious moments, though they've become less frequent.
She found that physical comfort, like hugs from her team members, helps calm her anxiety - a simple yet powerful reminder of the healing power of human touch and connection.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Hwasa's story is ultimately one of resilience and the power of human connection. Her willingness to speak openly about mental health challenges helps normalise these conversations, especially important in cultures where discussing psychological struggles is often stigmatised.
The singer's journey from facing harsh criticism to finding peace with her family's support mirrors the experiences of many young people who dare to be different. Hwasa has always been known for breaking K-pop beauty standards with her curvier figure, darker skin tone, and bold fashion choices. Her success despite not fitting the typical idol mould has made her an icon for body positivity and self-acceptance.
Whether it's choosing an unconventional career path, expressing yourself through art, or simply being authentic in a world that often demands conformity, the struggle for acceptance - both from others and ourselves - is universal.
Her story reminds us that behind every public figure is a human being dealing with real challenges, and that sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help and accept love when it's offered.
For those unfamiliar with Hwasa, she's not your typical K-pop idol. Born Ahn Hye-jin, she rose to fame as a member of the four-member girl group MAMAMOO in 2014. What makes her stand out is her distinctive husky voice, bold personality, and fearless approach to self-expression. She's particularly famous for her solo hit "Twit" which topped charts in 2019, her appearances on reality shows where she became known as the "Goddess of Gopchang" for her love of Korean intestine dishes, and her body-positive anthem "I Love My Body".