JYP’s mental health advice to talents divides K-pop fans

Bryan Ke
·4 min read
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[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.”

“If YOU ever experienced real depression, you know his advice is absolute F'N BULLSHIT,” another X user wrote.

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.”

Another said Park’s advice “sounds reasonable,” because “When you work as a team, you are one.”

“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.”

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.