JYP’s mental health advice to talents divides K-pop fans
[Source]
K-pop luminary Park Jin-young, better known as JYP, ignited controversy upon revealing a piece of advice he says he gives to his talents about mental health.
What he said: Park, founder of powerhouse label JYP Entertainment, said he encourages his artists to make everybody "comfortable" even if they are having a bad day. He claimed that looking "depressed" will make everybody feel otherwise.
“That’s why I tell my artists like Stray Kids, TWICE. I say ‘OK there can be a bad day, but if you look depressed, blue and sad you’re gonna make everybody uncomfortable. So that’s who we are, even in our toughest days we have to go make a joke, make sure you make everybody comfortable around you,’” the 51-year-old said during a recent guest appearance on "Psick University."
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Reactions: Park's advice did not sit well with many social media users. Some on X called it “terrible,” “crap” and the “worst 'advice’" that you could give to someone that's going through a rough time.”
uuhh this is terrible “advice” to give your artists i- pic.twitter.com/s0I60W7jF4
— jay (@penguinstrawb) November 19, 2023
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What crap advice. As one of the larger companies out there with substantial influence, he should have tried to break this toxic perception fans have that idols are not human beings who are real people with real feelings. Shame on JYP. https://t.co/o5O4DB9i7w
— N.Y.23 (@NY_2303) November 20, 2023
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Being a kpop idol doesn't mean to put a mask on your face and pretend everything is alright. This is the worst "advice " that you could give to someone that's going through a rough time. If they are not feeling well just let them take a break. That's it. I seriously hate jyp https://t.co/ErVLB77g2U
— ~mollie~☆樂☆ (@minsunggxrl) November 19, 2023
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“If YOU ever experienced real depression, you know his advice is absolute F'N BULLSHIT,” another X user wrote.
That is such TERRIBLE advice!! JYP, with all due respect, YOU ARE NOT A psychiatrist, mental health therapist or have any certification to make such statements. If YOU ever experienced real depression, you know his advice is absolute F'N BULLSHIT!!
Makes me SO mad! https://t.co/j5jzQ1bJMVTrending on NextShark: Watch: JY Park performance leaves Korean celebs looking shocked and confused
— Holly 樂 ★ Rockstar SKZ ! (@hollyportillo) November 19, 2023
On the other hand: Some X users, however, found no issue with Park’s advice. One described his insights as “basic skills in any work environment.”
Man, these are basic skills in any work environment. Is like if I work at retail I have a bad day and I talk to clients rudely, Im gonna make their day shit.
Idols have even more responsibility in that sense because fans do get anxiety and depression.— ah~ ~Fan Account~ (@leebitation) November 19, 2023
Another said Park’s advice “sounds reasonable,” because “When you work as a team, you are one.”
The advice actually sounds reasonable.
I have worked in an environment for performers as a backstage person, or mixing engineer/tech, and even as a performer as well. What he's saying is actually very true. When you work as a team, you are one. You affect those around you.— mountaindewapologist (@lowkeyfanboiiii) November 19, 2023
“Y'all are shocked but this is the fact for every job,” another user wrote, adding that appearing sad in front of clients would also affect their mood. “It’s messed up but it's not only related to K-pop.”
Y'all are shocked but this is the fact for every job don't appear sad in front of the clients because it affects their moods ( it's messed up but it's not only related to K-pop)
— ★⁵ 리나☆₊⁺₊⁺★ (@lovelyfelixstan) November 19, 2023
Anxiety reports: Park’s mental health comment came days after JYP Entertainment announced that ITZY’s Lia will be taking a hiatus due to health concerns. According to the agency, the K-pop star has been “experiencing tension and symptoms of anxiety when carrying out scheduled activities.”
In 2019, TWICE’s Mina also pulled out of the group’s activities due to struggles with anxiety, followed by fellow member Jeongyeon in 2020 and 2021. JYP Entertainment also addressed both artists’ conditions while announcing their breaks.
