A former K-pop idol from the group MASK made a shocking confession about his past, revealing years of isolation and financial struggles on KBS Joy’s Ask Us Anything Fortune Teller (Episode 339), aired on November 3.
The ex-idol, who served as the group’s sub-vocalist, shared that his career abruptly ended after he was assaulted by a fellow member during album preparations. “I picked up an umbrella that wasn’t mine, and the member started yelling and hitting me on the head and face,” he recalled, explaining the incident that led to his departure from the team.
After leaving the group, he spent nearly two years in isolation, battling depression and uncertainty about his future. Seeking a new start, he invested ₩5 million in electric car stocks — and initially doubled his money. However, at his parents’ urging, he took out a loan for larger investments, only to suffer consecutive losses. When he turned to cryptocurrency futures to recover, his situation worsened, leaving him ₩180 million (approx. $130,000 USD) in debt.
Currently, he earns income through YouTube live streaming, saying, “Even while paying back ₩4.65 million monthly, I can still spend about ₩500,000 for myself — thanks to a few loyal viewers’ donations.”
During the show, hosts Seo Jang-hoon and Lee Soo-geun gave him sincere advice. Seo Jang-hoon encouraged him to “reduce streaming time and find part-time work in cafés or clothing stores to regain daily structure,” while Lee Soo-geunn urged him to focus on self-improvement: “You need to be ready to deliver your best performance anytime, instead of just wishing for the stage.”
Despite the hardships, the former idol sang live on set, impressing the hosts with his vocal skills. Seo Jang Hoon offered words of encouragement: “If you don’t give up or fall into dark thoughts, you’ll definitely succeed. I can see it.”
Sources: Newsen,KBS Joy