AKMU's Lee Su-hyun Opens Up About Overcoming a Two-Year Slump

AKMU's Lee Su-hyun candidly shared her experience of battling a two-year slump and how she overcame it.

On the October 1st episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block,' AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun appeared as guests.

Lee Su-hyun confessed to living as a recluse for two years. She said, "I actually lived without seeing sunlight for a long time," adding, "I stayed in my room, living a hikikomori lifestyle. All I did was play games and eat delivery food. I kept the curtains closed because I didn't want to know whether it was day or night."

She revealed, "It started with a slump at work, and as I endured the painful emotions, my entire life crumbled." She continued, "When my brother went to the military, I started questioning, 'What am I without my brother?' The void was bigger than I thought. I believed I could fill it, but I couldn't. I was deeply disappointed in myself." She recalled, "I waited for my brother to be discharged, but after he returned, he was like a racehorse, only looking forward. The fun of doing things together started to disappear," and she even considered quitting AKMU.

Lee Su-hyun admitted to filling the emptiness with food, leading to binge eating and rapid weight gain. She said, "I binged every day without fail. I ate spicy tteokbokki, chicken feet at night, and spicy braised ribs the next morning." She added, "As I gained weight rapidly, my whole body felt like it was tearing apart."

Her body and mind both collapsed. She said, "How could I see myself as beautiful? My self-esteem and confidence hit rock bottom." She also shared that she developed social anxiety, saying, "I couldn't meet people. I was afraid of people looking at me."

Lee Su-hyun spent nearly two years isolated from the outside world. Her brother, Lee Chan-hyuk, took drastic measures by living with her and conducting a 'mental reform camp' for her. Thanks to this, Lee Su-hyun has lost weight and is regaining her daily life. She said, "Living together was uncomfortable, but without last year, I couldn't imagine my current future," adding, "Three years ago, I never thought I'd be smiling in front of the camera again. My brother, whom I trust, tried to save me. I'm grateful." Lee Chan-hyuk responded, "Thank you for following and trusting me."

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr