Behind the dazzling performances, demanding choreography and packed schedules, K-pop idols also deal with health challenges that are often invisible to fans. Some have lived with conditions since childhood, while others developed injuries or illnesses during their careers.

Here are several K-pop artists and groups who have publicly spoken about their health conditions, injuries or disabilities.

1. Hwasa (MAMAMOO) Burst Eardrum, Tinnitus And Hearing Impairment

Hwasa has spoken about suffering an ear injury during a performance when an in-ear monitor malfunctioned and damaged her left eardrum.

The incident reportedly left her experiencing tinnitus and reduced hearing in her left ear. Despite the injury, she continued performing and working, highlighting the physical risks that can sometimes come with live performances.

2. Nayeon (TWICE) Permanent Weakness In Her Left Leg

Nayeon has shared that a childhood car accident affected her left leg.

She has said the leg can sometimes buckle or give way, meaning she has dealt with instability since she was young. Nevertheless, Nayeon has continued performing demanding choreography and has expressed her determination to keep dancing for as long as she can.

3. Joy (Red Velvet) PTSD And Somatic Symptoms

Joy has spoken about experiencing PTSD and somatic symptoms associated with stress.

She has shared that fireworks and sudden loud noises can trigger intense distress and physical reactions. Her experience has also helped highlight how psychological conditions can manifest through very real physical symptoms.

4. Ningning (aespa) Severe Vision Loss In Her Right Eye

Ningning has revealed that she has severe vision loss in her right eye.

She experienced an eye infection as a child that required surgery. The condition reportedly left her almost completely blind in that eye. Despite this, she has continued performing on stage as a member of aespa.

5. Big Ocean Deaf And Hard Of Hearing

Big Ocean is particularly notable because every member of the group is deaf or hard of hearing.

Rather than allowing hearing loss to prevent them from performing, the members use tools such as International Sign Language, metronomes and vibrating smartwatches to help them stay synchronized with music and choreography.

Their performances have also brought greater visibility to deaf and hard-of-hearing artists in the K-pop industry.

6. Rami (BABYMONSTER) Pneumothorax

Rami experienced a pneumothorax, commonly known as a collapsed lung.

In May 2025, she was placed on an indefinite hiatus to focus on her recovery. The condition required her to step away from BABYMONSTER's activities while she recovered, showing how health issues can sometimes force even active idols to temporarily put their careers on hold.

7. SUGA (BTS) Chronic Shoulder Pain

SUGA has spoken openly about longstanding shoulder problems.

A 2012 accident resulted in a torn shoulder labrum, causing him years of pain and discomfort. He eventually underwent surgery in 2020 after dealing with the injury for a prolonged period.

His experience is a reminder that injuries sustained early in an idol's career can continue affecting them years later.

8. Wooyoung (ATEEZ) Cholinergic Urticaria

Wooyoung has dealt with cholinergic urticaria, a condition that can cause itchy hives and other symptoms when the body heats up.

Triggers can include exercise, sweating, heat and emotional stress all particularly challenging for someone whose job involves intense dancing and stage performances.

Wooyoung previously took a break from activities to focus on his health and recovery.

9. Taeyong (NCT) Herniated Disc And Chronic Back Pain

Taeyong has experienced chronic back problems associated with a herniated disc.

The condition has reportedly caused significant pain as well as episodes involving numbness and weakness in his legs. For an idol whose career requires frequent dancing and physically demanding choreography, managing a spinal condition can be particularly challenging.

10. Tiffany (Girls' Generation) Severe Scoliosis

Tiffany Young has spoken about being diagnosed with severe scoliosis at the age of 16.

The spinal condition has caused her chronic pain and affected her flexibility. Despite the physical challenges, Tiffany went on to become one of the most recognisable members of Girls' Generation and has maintained a career involving singing, dancing and performing.

11. Heechul (Super Junior) Permanent Leg Injury

Heechul suffered a serious leg injury following a car accident in 2006.

The accident resulted in multiple fractures and required surgery involving metal rods. Although he returned to performing, the injury left lasting weakness and has affected his ability to participate in demanding choreography.

As a result, Heechul has often had to modify his performances compared with the group's other members.

12. Woohyun (INFINITE) GIST And Lasting Shoulder Damage

Woohyun underwent surgery after being diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), a rare type of tumour.

Following the procedure, he experienced lasting damage affecting his shoulder. His health struggles required treatment and recovery while he continued navigating life and work in the public eye.

13. Yezi (FIESTAR) Hearing Impairment

Yezi later revealed that she has a hearing impairment.

She had faced criticism after asking contestants to repeat themselves while appearing on television. Rather than simply being inattentive, her difficulty hearing was related to her condition.

Her experience showed how easily an invisible disability can be misunderstood by the public.

14. Park Bom (2NE1) ADHD And Lymphadenitis

Park Bom has publicly spoken about being diagnosed with ADHD.

She has also discussed receiving treatment for lymphadenitis, an inflammation of the lymph nodes. Her openness about her health has given fans a glimpse into some of the challenges she has faced throughout her career.

Health Challenges Don't Always Show On Stage

K-pop often places enormous physical demands on performers. Hours of rehearsals, intense choreography, frequent travel and back-to-back schedules can be difficult even without an underlying health condition or injury.

The stories of these idols also show why it is important not to judge someone's abilities based solely on what happens on stage. A performer who looks completely healthy during a three-minute performance may be managing pain, hearing loss, vision impairment or another condition behind the scenes.

For many of these artists, speaking openly about their experiences has helped make conversations around disabilities, chronic conditions and mental health more visible within the K-pop industry.