Rapper Woo Won-jae confesses to suffering mental problems
Rapper Woo Won-jae. Capture from MBC
By Dong Sun-hwa, Park Si-soo
Rapper Woo Won-jae, also known by his stage name Munch, is suffering from depression and panic and anxiety disorders, he confessed on a TV show. He said he is taking medicine and psychotherapy regularly to counter the disorders.
It was a celebrity's rare confession of suffering mental troubles in a country where speaking out has long been considered taboo, especially in the entertainment field.
The 22-year-old dropped the bombshell on MBC TV's “Radio Star” on Wednesday night.
“It seems that most people think of mental illnesses as something different,” Woo said. “However, I believe they are the same things as a cold, which anyone can suffer from.”
Woo said some can bear them, while others are sensitive about them.
“Many are concerned about taking medicine for mental disorders due to negative perceptions ― but I take three pills twice a day,” Woo said. “I think people's perception would change only if I boldly talk about it.”
Woo debuted with the single “We Are” in 2017. He belongs to hip-hop label AOMG. On Wednesday's show, the rapper also revealed he recently reunited with his girlfriend.