Trigger Warning: This article contains references to suicide and self-harm.
Alarming Social Media Posts Spark Concern
On the first day of the new year, January 1, former AOA member Kwon Mina sent shockwaves through the K-pop community and her fanbase with a series of deeply distressing social media posts. Sharing a childhood photograph, she penned a lengthy, heart-wrenching note spread across eight separate updates, revealing a history of severe mental anguish, past trauma, and a recent attempt to end her life.
Her messages, which were later deleted, included a brief but chilling farewell that read, "Goodbye. And I'm sorry." In her candid confession, Mina stated she was not in a stable mental state and expressed feeling profoundly wronged by past incidents that have remained unresolved, contributing to her ongoing distress.
A Cry for Help: Revealing Years of Pain
Kwon Mina opened up about a long-standing pattern of self-harm and suicidal ideation. "I've been trying to commit suicide since I was 26 and now I'm about to turn 34," she wrote, highlighting an eight-year struggle. She described how moments of despair led her to give up on dreams, culminating in repeated acts of self-harm and suicide attempts.
In a desperate plea for someone to listen, she questioned, "Actually, I'm so broken down. I want to talk more... Now, who will listen to me and see?" She vehemently denied seeking attention, emphasizing her desire simply to tell her truth and explain the circumstances that led to her breakdown. "I just wanted to tell my story... That's it," she expressed.
Details of the New Year's Day Incident
Addressing reports directly, Mina provided harrowing details of her suicide attempt on New Year's Day. She wrote, "I did my best yesterday and squeezed my neck with a stocking until it was choked and hung my neck. Ah, I was rescued." According to reports, she was found in time and received emergency assistance, a fact she referred to as a "miracle."
In subsequent posts, the singer expressed frustration with her condition and revealed physical evidence of her suffering. She mentioned wanting to show the marks on her body—on her stomach, neck, arms, and thighs—stating, "Yes, I want to die and I want to live honestly. I feel so pitiful."
Despite a glimmer of hope for a normal future—mentioning recovery, marriage, and a regular life—she concluded with despair: "But now even that hope is gone and I want to disappear too.. You don't have to save me..."
Background and Call for Support
Kwon Mina debuted as a member of the popular girl group AOA in 2012 and departed from the group in 2019. Her recent posts have ignited urgent concern among netizens and industry observers, highlighting the severe pressures and hidden traumas that can exist in the entertainment world.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, or any mental illness, please reach out for professional help immediately. Contact a doctor, a mental health expert, or a trusted NGO. Helplines are available and ready to provide support.
