Crayon Pop's Soyul struggles with anxiety disorder

Crayon Pop member Soyul

By Ko Dong-hwan

K-pop girl band Crayon Pop member Soyul has taken a temporary break as she battles a worsening panic disorder.

Chrome Entertainment, the band's agency, said Monday the singer, 25, was diagnosed while preparing the full-length album "Evolution pop ― Vol. 1," released Sept. 26. The star's illness worsened and she gave up joining the band's comeback schedule after their 18-month hiatus, the agency said.

"During the hiatus, the agency's staff, including the CEO, all changed," Sports DongA said, citing an agency official. "In addition to the new atmosphere, the band deeply pondered making a good album but that might have given some members serious mental pressure and stress."

Soyul, whose name is Park Hye-kyung, participated in the band's album showcase at YES24 MUV Hall in western Seoul on Sept. 23 despite the illness. But her symptoms grew worse, with mental uneasiness and fever, as the band began TV appearances. The report said she "really wanted to manage the illness and continue the schedules but eventually had to give up."

Crayon Pop from a scene of "Bar Bar Bar" music video

While Soyul is eventually expected to return, the band's remaining four members will continue working, according to media reports.

Soyul designed the logo and liner notes on the album, in which the main track is

"Doo Doom Chit," a retro disco number that blends '90s melodies and current club beats.

Crayon Pop rose to stardom after their 2013 hit

"Bar Bar Bar," recorded at an abandoned amusement park in eastern Seoul, was parodied by fans around the world. The band's unique outfits, with helmets, and simple dance moves attracted countless imitators. The number shot Crayon Pop to the top of Billboard's K-Pop Hot 100 and earned the group a New Rising Star at the Golden Disk Awards, a Hot Trend Award at the MelOn Music Awards and Best New Female Artist at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.

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