These artists are eradicating the stigma associated with mental illness.
Content Warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide or self-harm that may upset some readers.
While talking about mental illness has become less stigmatised in some countries, there is still a lot of judgement in South Korea. In fact, as of 2019, the country was ranked fourth on the list of nations with the highest suicide rates in the world, with the immense stress and pressure that students feel to succeed academically playing a large role.
Despite this, some K-Pop artists have been vocal about their own struggles, both personally and through their music, which has helped the topic become more openly discussed in the community.. Here are 10 relatable songs about mental illness and mental health recovery.
1. “Streetlight” by Changbin ft. Bang Chan (Stray Kids)
"If you ask someone for advice about your problems, even if that person can’t resolve everything for you, just opening up about your feelings makes your heart rest a little easier… To be honest, before I wrote this song, there was a time when I also really struggled on my own and wasn’t able to tell anyone. But by writing those feelings into my lyrics and recording this song, I felt like I had shared them with someone, which gave me a sense of relief." - Changbin
2. “Paranoia” by Kang Daniel
Kang Daniel has stated that the album from which "Paranoia" is taken, Yellow, is his most personal to date and that each song on the album was inspired by a difficult period in his life. "Paranoia" in particular was a challenge for the soloist.
"The theme in itself is heavy and distant, but since I’m resolving feelings I’ve personally felt, I wanted to express them honestly. I believe this is a feeling everyone can relate to, there’s only a difference in the extent and the depth… I’m thankful that I can display the feelings I’ve felt through music. The reason I put focus on such a dark aspect is that the majority of people are reluctant to bring this up. I wanted to confess my inner concerns and communicate them." - Kang Daniel
3. “Wake Me Up” by B.A.P
4. "Trauma" by Seventeen (Hip Hop unit)
SEVENTEEN's hip hop unit exposes their vulnerability in this heart-breaking track, inspired by their personal struggles. They open up about their own experiences with loneliness, self-doubt, and stressing over past events throughout the lyrics.
5. "Borderline" by Sunmi
Sunmi recently revealed that she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder five years ago, and while she still struggles with it to some extent, she's been able to manage it much better thanks to medication (which she was able to even decrease recently with success). BDP is a mental illness characterized by unstable moods, varying self-image, diverse behaviour, and a mix of depression and anxiety, and her song "Borderline" addresses her struggle with the illness directly.
6. "Love Poem" by IU
IU speaks from the frightening and heartbreaking place of witnessing a loved one struggle with their demons and being powerless to intervene. So she puts her silent, constant support into this 'Love Poem': the song persists as a treasured memory, a voice for those who have 'forgotten how to cry out loud,' as if she will walk behind them until 'the day your long night ends.'
7. "Black Swan" by BTS
While BTS seems to have numerous songs that can be comforting to people going through difficult times (particularly 'Spring Day'), the crowning jewel in that list is 'Black Swan,' which kicked off the Map of The Soul: 7 era.
You'd think that with the nickname "the biggest boy band in the world right now," their main fear would be losing relevance. Instead, Black Swan focuses on their fear of losing passion for their craft — the music they love to make.
8. "Ugly" by 2NE1
There is no standard for beauty, but many people believe they have the right to judge the physical appearance of others, even if it means hurting their feelings and lowering their self-esteem. 2NE1's concepts have always been out of the box, and "Ugly" is a track that pinpoints insecurities that many can relate to.
9. "Holo" by Lee Hi
While the title "Holo" may appear unusual for a song about loneliness, the word "홀로" ("hollo") translates to "alone" in Korean. Feeling alone and lonely are emotions that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives, which makes the subject so relatable and the reason Lee Hi wrote the song in the first place.
"Personally, when I thought about this song, it comforted my mind. When I was singing it, I was hoping it could comfort people going through a lot of things. It’s chaotic lately, you know? The same comfort that I felt when I received the song, when I made the lyrics, I want to share. I was thinking about how loneliness doesn’t only take place when you’re alone. People can be lonely when they’re with others. When you’re feeling lonely, whether alone or with others, you should try to love yourself more by being yourself." - Lee Hi
10. "The Last" by Agust D
Finally, a list like this wouldn't be complete without Agust D's masterpiece of a mental illness song, "The Last". Agust D (Suga of BTS) has been open about his depression struggles, even admitting that he attempted suicide once. Though the lyrics of "The Last" are very personal to Agust D's experiences, the fluctuation between feelings of hopelessness, confidence, self-hate, and trying to be strong is a realistic depiction of what it's like to live with mental illness.
The entire song tells a story, and it's impossible to summarise it with just a few lines from the lyrics. If you haven't already listened to or read the lyrics to this song, it's well worth your time to do so.
In the memory of Rachel Shylo
Blog by Harini
Blog by Harini
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