'Top Idols' Show Professional Spirit Despite Injuries: From Jang Wonyoung to Blackpink Jennie

Stories of idols enduring pain to stand on stage are belatedly spreading. These idols have shown the face of 'professional idols' despite dizzying injuries such as bleeding and broken bones.

Jennie of the group BLACKPINK has faced criticism for 'dancing sloppily' in the past. She has not directly responded to these criticisms, but she explained her situation during an appearance on British pop star Dua Lipa's BBC podcast, which was released on July 14th (local time).

Jennie stated that she frequently got injured due to performing choreography in high heels. She shared, "I kept getting hurt during performances. It was stressful. I fell over and over again," adding, "It seemed like I was not doing my best, and I think that made the fans disappointed."

She continued, "I didn't know how to control my body. I've learned to take care of my body since the pandemic."

From some fans' perspective, there could have been skepticism about Jennie's dance skills, which had changed from before. However, hidden in that backdrop was Jennie's effort to somehow digest the stage despite the discomfort of wearing uncomfortable high heels. The BBC also refuted opinions that Jennie was not professional, asserting she maintains higher standards than most Western artists.

The fighting spirit of Jang Wonyoung of the group IVE, who persevered despite injury, is also becoming a hot topic. The story came to light because Son Seunghee, the director who directed IVE's 'I AM' music video, appeared on MBC FM4U 'GOT7 Youngjae's Close Friend' and expressed gratitude to Jang Wonyoung.

Director Son Seunghee began, "I've never officially talked about this," before revealing, "During the filming of the music video, Jang Wonyoung injured her arm while dancing and had to get seven stitches."

At the time, two parts of Jang Wonyoung's scenes remained. Even though it was understandable if she waited until her injury had fully healed to shoot, she endured going to the emergency room two days in a row to get her arm stitched up and proceeded to film the remaining scenes of the music video. Director Son added, "What was even more impressive was that she didn't show any signs of pain on the set."

This is the second time that Jang Wonyoung's injury has been revealed. Previously, she injured her knee while performing 'That's My Girl' at the 'Welcome K-pop Click Concert' in January of last year. Despite blood flowing from the wound, Jang Wonyoung finished her next performance, 'Take It.'

The expectation to maintain a 'professional' demeanor despite injuries should not be imposed. If an injury is sustained, recovery should be the priority. However, these are idols who, in order to alleviate fans' worries, have ultimately performed with a passion for the stage.

Of course, agencies must ensure they take care of their artists. There are increasing cases of idols suspending their activities due to fluctuating conditions. Some attribute this to intense labor. There is a need to prevent artists' injuries and to work towards improving their conditions.

Copyright © 2023 Kpop Reporter. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.