SEOUL – Taemin of the South Korean boy band Shinee, who is currently serving his mandatory military service, has been transferred from the military band to serve as a public service worker due to worsening depression and anxiety.
A statement from his management agency SM Entertainment last Friday (January 14) said, “Due to the symptoms of depression and anxiety that Taemin has been suffering from before (his enlistment), he continued to receive treatment and therapy even while doing his enlistment. service
“However, because his symptoms recently worsened, the military determined that it had become impossible for him to continue his military life and treatment at the same time, and he was transferred to supplemental duty accordingly.”
Taemin, 28, who enlisted on May 31, 2021, is the only member of the quartet who has not yet completed military service, which lasts up to 21 months.
Originally a five-piece band, Shinee has continued with its remaining four members after the suicide of Jonghyun, who had struggled with depression, in December 2017 at the age of 27.
In October 2021, the Military Human Resources Administration shared a video of Taemin, in which he reassured his fans that he was adjusting well and had gained 10kg.
After news of his transfer and deteriorating mental health broke, those who had worked with him testified that they had witnessed his struggles, saying he took many pills daily and often had nightmares.
An anonymous commenter who said he was in the same lot wrote: “Even when he was suffering, he showed us a bright side of himself as someone older than us and even played with us.
“He was a hyung (older brother) who always worked hard and endured every training.” Another enlisted comrade said, “When we parted ways, he told us to keep our heads up and encouraged us like a kind older brother. He also said he was afraid if he left, people would talk. Since he seems to be in pain, I hope that people don’t criticize him too much”.
