On May 11, 2026, viewers of KBS Joy’s popular talk show 'What’s Wrong with My Family' were given a sobering look behind the curtain of the K-pop industry, as singer Yuju, formerly of the girl group GFriend, opened up about the toll her solo career has taken on her health. Her candid revelations laid bare the intense psychological and physical pressures that can come with stepping into the spotlight alone, sparking a wave of concern among fans and industry insiders alike.
Yuju, who stands 169 centimeters tall, shared that the process of preparing for a solo album has repeatedly led to a complete loss of appetite. “Whenever I start preparing an album, my appetite drops to zero, and it really affects my daily life,” she confessed, according to reports from OSEN and Newsis. This isn’t just a passing inconvenience—her weight, which was 52 kilograms during her GFriend days, has dropped dramatically to just 45 kilograms.
The singer admitted that at first, she didn’t fully grasp the seriousness of her condition. “I naively thought, ‘If I lose weight, I’ll look prettier on screen.’ But one day, I fainted at home and woke up alone. Even eating just three spoonfuls of food was too much, so I went for an endoscopy,” she explained, as quoted by Newsis. The results of the medical examination were perplexing: her digestive system was perfectly healthy.
Doctors, however, suspected that the root of her problem was psychological rather than physical. “They recommended I see a psychiatrist. When I asked why, they told me that for cases like mine, the cause can be psychological rather than digestive,” Yuju recounted. It was only then that she realized how much the pressure of her solo career had heightened her sensitivity and stress levels.
Yuju’s struggles didn’t end with her appetite. The stress and malnutrition began to manifest in other, more alarming ways. During recording sessions, she noticed hearing problems in one ear. A visit to the hospital brought an unexpected diagnosis: the fat normally present in her eardrum had disappeared, a consequence of her extreme weight loss. “The doctor said, ‘There should be a certain amount of fat in the eardrum, but you’ve lost even that. You don’t need medicine—you need to eat,’” Yuju recalled, highlighting just how interconnected nutrition and overall health can be for performers.
Her story resonated deeply with the show’s hosts, Lee Soo-geun and Seo Jang-hoon, both of whom offered pointed advice and concern. Lee Soo-geun, visibly troubled, told her, “You’re acting like an amateur. With this attitude, how can you comfort the public as a professional?” Seo Jang-hoon echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the difference that health makes to an artist’s craft. “The sound you produce when you’re on the verge of fainting is different from the sound you make when you’re well-nourished and in good condition. The emotion is different, too. If you want to show your fans your best for a long time, you have to manage your condition well,” he advised, according to OSEN and DongA Ilbo.
Yuju’s candidness about the psychological roots of her struggle is notable in an industry where such topics are often left unspoken. The singer acknowledged that she only realized the extent of her emotional strain after her health began to deteriorate. “I always thought I was just doing what I loved, but I didn’t realize how much my ambition for my career was making me sensitive,” she reflected. The realization was a turning point, prompting her to take a step back and reassess her approach to her work and well-being.
Despite the hardships, Yuju made it clear that her passion for music remains undiminished. “I enjoy what I do because I love it, but seeing my body have problems made me reflect on myself. Through this broadcast, I’ve been able to look at my situation objectively, and I’m determined to continue my activities in a healthier way,” she stated, as reported by DongA Ilbo. Her resolve to balance her ambitions with self-care struck a chord with many viewers, who have since expressed their support and admiration for her honesty.
Yuju’s experience shines a light on broader issues within the K-pop industry, where the transition from group to solo artist can be fraught with unique pressures. As part of GFriend, Yuju shared the stage—and the burden of expectations—with her bandmates. As a soloist, however, all eyes are on her alone. The stakes feel higher, and the responsibility to succeed can become overwhelming. This shift, as Yuju’s story illustrates, can take a significant toll on both mental and physical health.
The singer’s ordeal also underscores the importance of mental health awareness and support within the entertainment world. While rigorous schedules and perfectionist standards are often seen as the price of fame, Yuju’s story is a stark reminder that unchecked stress and self-neglect can lead to serious health consequences. The advice from her doctors—to prioritize eating and seek psychological help rather than rely solely on medication—points to a growing recognition of the need for holistic care for artists.
Industry veterans like Seo Jang-hoon and Lee Soo-geun, who have witnessed the ups and downs of countless performers, were quick to stress that professionalism includes self-care. Their guidance—delivered with a mix of tough love and genuine concern—reflects an evolving understanding in the entertainment community that sustainability and longevity are just as important as short-term success. “You have to think about what it really means to do your best,” Seo Jang-hoon told Yuju, urging her to find a healthier path forward.
For fans and fellow artists, Yuju’s story is both a cautionary tale and a call to action. It’s a reminder that the pursuit of artistic excellence should not come at the expense of health, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. As Yuju continues her journey as a solo artist, her openness about her struggles may inspire others to prioritize their well-being, too.
Yuju’s appearance on 'What’s Wrong with My Family' may have started as a routine promotional stop, but it ended up sparking an important conversation about the hidden costs of success in the entertainment industry. By speaking out, she’s not only advocating for herself but also for a healthier, more compassionate culture in K-pop and beyond.
As the industry takes note, fans are left hoping that Yuju’s determination to care for herself will serve as a model for others facing similar challenges—and that her voice, both on and off the stage, will remain strong for years to come.