Eric Nam bares panic disorder, health crisis led to shift away from Korea

Eric Nam / Captured from Jaykeeout's YouTube channel

Singer Eric Nam is opening up about a painful chapter behind his career pivot, revealing that severe health issues — including suffering from panic disorder and temporary paralysis — played a key role in his decision to step back from Korean broadcast activities.

In a YouTube video uploaded in March on creator Jaykeeout’s channel, the singer-actor appeared as a guest in a street-interview-style segment titled “Running into Eric Nam and suddenly busking.” The casual encounter turned into a candid conversation about the toll his earlier career in Korea took on him.

Eric Nam / Captured from Jaykeeout's YouTube channel

Reflecting on his time promoting in the country, Nam said, “To be honest, there were a lot of things that were really hard while living in Korea. My mental health got worse, and overall my physical health declined too.”

When the host expressed surprise — noting his consistently upbeat on-screen image — Nam pointed to that very contrast as part of the problem.

“That was the hardest part,” he said. “On screen, I looked positive, bright, kind and fun. But inside, I was really struggling. Even just sitting down to have a cup of coffee felt a little scary.”

He then detailed the severity of his condition. “As my health worsened, I ate nothing but porridge for three months. I developed panic disorder, and I experienced paralysis in my arms, fingers, back discs and legs. At one point, the right side of my face suddenly lost sensation,” he said, shocking viewers.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Nam shifted the focus of his career to the United States. He has since expanded his activities beyond music, appearing on U.S. reality series “The Traitors” and participating in the production of Hollywood films and series.

Still, he said the new chapter has come with its own challenges.

“I’m always on my own,” he said. “I don’t have a manager traveling with me, no hair, makeup or stylist — I do everything myself.”

Describing his demanding schedule, he added, “In January, I went back and forth to Korea twice, traveled to Los Angeles three times, and visited Atlanta and New York multiple times. In 2024, there wasn’t a single time I stayed in one place for seven consecutive days,” noting that the constant movement has also brought feelings of loneliness.

Nam debuted in 2013 and has built a global fan base with his bilingual music and international presence. He is currently continuing his world tour and music career centered in the United States.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.