Singer Juniel, once hailed as the “Second IU” for her melodic hits, recently opened up about a difficult period in her life caused by hypothyroidism, which led to a significant weight gain and reduced activity in her career.
On October 24, YouTube channel 원마이크 uploaded a video titled [EP.28 Juniel] ‘Gained 10kg Due to Health Issues’ – Why the Hit Song Singer Suddenly Disappeared, where Juniel candidly discussed her health challenges.
“Several things happened, but the main reasons I couldn’t be active were COVID and my own health issues,” she explained.
Juniel detailed how the thyroid condition affected her physically and emotionally: “When I had to take a long break from activities, my hypothyroidism drained my stamina and increased my lethargy. My body felt extremely heavy… With hypothyroidism, you gain weight easily. Even when living normally, swelling doesn’t go away, and it turns into weight.”
At her heaviest, Juniel revealed she reached 60kg, gaining over 10kg in a short period, which caused both physical discomfort and emotional stress.
“I wondered why I was gaining weight for no reason. After taking medication for my thyroid, I lost 8kg in just a month. I was also extremely stressed and experienced severe depression, avoiding contact with people at that time,” she added.
Juniel shared that although her current health markers are stable, she remains cautious: “There’s nothing majorly wrong now, but you never know what might happen, so I need annual blood tests. My stamina hasn’t fully recovered, so I have to exercise diligently.”
The singer’s honesty sheds light on the challenges many K-pop artists face behind the scenes, particularly regarding mental health and physical well-being.
Juniel’s story highlights the pressures of the entertainment industry, compounded by unforeseen health struggles. Fans continue to send messages of support, celebrating her resilience and looking forward to her return to music.
Sources: Nate