SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan shared an emotional letter on his Instagram, voicing his frustrations over idol treatment and the challenges that come with life in the entertainment industry.
On Tuesday, Seungkwan posted, “I don’t want to see any more people hurting each other. While witnessing everything that has happened, I kept telling myself, ‘This will pass.’ I’ve always pushed through, focusing on my work with my members.”
Seungkwan reflected on the sacrifices that come with being in the spotlight. “Being an entertainer is a path I chose, and while I know it means enduring a lot for the love we receive, it shouldn’t be a job where we have to withstand getting hurt to the point of breaking,” he wrote. “Nevertheless, even now, we press on. Some approach it with logic, some with positivity, and others try to bear it however they can. It’s a bitter, harsh truth that we endure simply because it was our choice, and that fact just feels cruel today.”
In his heartfelt post, Seungkwan firmly stated, “Let me make this clear: We’re not people who’ve had such an easy, happy ride that we can be judged so lightly. I wish people wouldn’t take idols for granted.”
Adding to his message, he wrote, “You have no right to easily insert yourself into our stories. This doesn’t just apply to us; it goes to other artists, too. We are not your items to use and enjoy as you please.”
Seungkwan’s post is being interpreted as a critique of his agency, HYBE, following a recent controversy over leaked internal documents that allegedly contained disparaging comments on the appearances of minor idols.
In his post, Seungkwan also shared a handwritten letter from NMIXX member Haewon, in which she wrote, “Bringing laughter and joy to people is one of the hardest and most meaningful things. In that sense, you seem to share countless gifts with the world as both an artist and a variety star. I hope one day I can grow to share my sincerity with others.”
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