5 K-pop idols with medical conditions who brave the stage, from BTS’ V and Hyuna, to Seventeen’s Wonwoo and Block B’s Zico – but why did f(x)’s Krystal Jung faint mid-concert?

Aug 17 , 2022

K-pop idols Wonwoo, Krystal Jung, BTS’ V, Hyuna and Zico all suffer from medical conditions, but continue to brave the stage. Photos: @everyone_woo, @vousmevoyez, @hyunah_aa/Instagram; @BTS_twt/Twitter

f(x)’s Krystal Jung and Wonder Girls alum Hyuna often have fainting spells, while Wonwoo temporarily stopped promotions with Seventeen due to his gastritis problems

BTS’ V suffers from a skin rash condition and Block B’s Zico has asthma and underwent two heart surgeries as a child – but he’s still got his pro rapping skills

As pandemic restrictions continue to ease around the globe, K-pop groups are gearing up to take on world tours again and meet their beloved fans in person.

Blackpink and Ateez have already announced world tour dates. Meanwhile, Blackpink, Twice, Aespa and Dreamcatcher are rumoured to join the Lotus World Tour 2023, per K-pop Starz.

South Korean K-pop group Le Sserafim performs during a K-pop concert as part of Seoul Festa 2022 at Jamsil stadium in Seoul, on August 10. Photo: AFP

Without a doubt, fans are eagerly waiting to see their idols put on show-stopping performances live. Although K-pop stars may make their tough choreos look easy on stage, the reality is far from it. It’s common for performers to have a hard time under the hot lights, but in some cases, especially for those with existing medical conditions, it can result in shortness of breath and even blackouts.

So, which K-pop idols have braved their physical conditions during their time in the spotlight?

1. f(x)’s Krystal Jung

f(x)’s Krystal Jung suffers from anaemia, which means she easily gets fatigue and feels lightheaded. Photo: @vousmevoyez/Instagram

Krystal Jung has been caught fainting on camera more than once. In fact, there is even a compilation video making rounds on YouTube of her losing consciousness during events. Initially, fans worried that the idol was being overworked, but it was later revealed that Jung has actually suffered from anaemia since she was a kid, as per Soompi.

The lack of healthy red blood cells in her body causes Jung to experience symptoms like fatigue, weakness and lightheadedness, which is reportedly what caused her to faint on stage during the Lotte Duty Free Shop Family Concert in 2010.

During another incident in 2014, Jung reportedly fainted mid-performance during the SM Town concert in Shanghai, which resulted in her being taken offstage, as per Koreaboo. Security and staff rushed to help her and Jung didn’t appear again for the concert’s ending, per the article.