Mamamoo’s Hwa Sa bravely shared her emotional journey following last year’s indecency controversy during her recent appearance on KBS2’s ‘Crazy Rich Koreans‘. The singer revealed how the public backlash affected her mental health and how her family and bandmates supported her through the difficult period.
Hwa Sa Recalls Mother’s Touching Message During Controversy
The controversy began after Hwa Sa’s performance at a university festival in 2024 faced criticism for being too provocative. This led to a police investigation, which eventually cleared her of any wrongdoing. During the show, Hwa Sa opened up about this challenging time in her life.
“When the criticism hit its peak, my mom texted me for the first time and asked, ‘Are you okay, my daughter?’ Just reading those words—’Are you okay?’—broke my heart.”
Hwa Sa explained how her relationship with her parents has evolved over time. She shared that even her parents didn’t fully understand her when she was younger, making her mother’s support during the controversy particularly meaningful.
“Even my parents didn’t really understand me when I was younger. So I told my mom, ‘If even you couldn’t understand me growing up, how could others?’ And she replied, ‘You’re my proud daughter.’”
Mamamoo Members Provided Crucial Support During Panic Attack
The singer also revealed the emotional toll the incident took on her mental health. She described experiencing symptoms of a panic attack while traveling with her Mamamoo members in Turkey.
“I suddenly became unstable at the airport in Turkey, and the members hugged me—no exaggeration, they all embraced me at the same time. That’s when I broke down in tears. They might not even remember it, but I could feel that instinctively, they wanted to protect me.”
Hwa Sa emphasized how important physical comfort and support from loved ones can be during difficult moments. In a separate interview with the production team, she shared more about her mental health struggles.
“I’m human too, so there are times when I feel unstable. I don’t know why—it’s like I can’t breathe. When that moment comes, just being hugged by someone really helps calm me down.”
Background of the Controversy
The incident that sparked the controversy occurred during a university festival performance in 2024. Some audience members complained about certain elements of Hwa Sa’s performance being too provocative. This led to a police investigation that included interviews with both the accuser and Hwa Sa.
After reviewing the case, the police determined there were no grounds to pursue charges against Hwa Sa. However, the public scrutiny and online criticism during this period significantly impacted the artist’s mental wellbeing.
Fan Reactions and Support
Following Hwa Sa’s honest revelations on ‘Crazy Rich Koreans’, fans have flooded social media with messages of support. Many praised her courage in speaking openly about mental health challenges, while others expressed admiration for the strong bond between Mamamoo members.
On various online communities, fans shared their own experiences with anxiety and panic attacks, creating a broader conversation about mental health in the entertainment industry. The hashtag #WeLoveHwaSa trended on Twitter in multiple countries following the episode’s airing.
Hwa Sa’s Career Moves Forward
Despite the challenges, Hwa Sa continues to be one of the most successful solo artists in K-pop. Her recent musical releases have performed well on charts, and she remains a popular variety show guest known for her honest and straightforward personality.
The episode of ‘Crazy Rich Koreans’ featuring Hwa Sa’s interview achieved higher-than-average ratings, particularly among younger viewers. Many viewers commented that her willingness to discuss mental health struggles made her more relatable as an artist.
Also read: Hwasa Talks Relationships: Sets Record Straight on Dating Rumors
Hwa Sa’s story highlights the very real human side of K-pop stars who often face intense public scrutiny. Her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the power of support from family and friends during difficult times.
