During a live broadcast on August 31, MAMAMOO member Wheein opened up to fans in a candid, emotional stream about the intense mental strain she faced during the height of the group’s success.
She tearfully admitted that the relentless workload and overwhelming pressure once drove her to consider leaving the music industry entirely, a confession she had kept hidden for years to avoid worrying her supporters.
Mentorship, Industry Exhaustion, and Words of Wisdom
Wheein emphasized that her desire to step away was never caused by a loss of passion for music or performing, but by severe physical and mental exhaustion.
During her darkest moments of burnout, she turned to veteran entertainer Kim Shin Young for guidance, who shared a perspective that took years to fully understand:
- Desperate Need for Rest: Her thoughts of quitting came from a place of survival, needing a break to safeguard her long-term well-being.
- Senior Perspective: Kim Shin Young reassured her that the most exhausting periods of peak fame would eventually become cherished, nostalgic memories.
- Initial Skepticism: Drained by her daily reality at the time, Wheein couldn’t see past the fatigue and found it hard to believe she would ever miss those chaotic days.
A Growth-Driven Shift to Nostalgia and Gratitude
Years later, after continuing her career and reflecting on recent group promotions and concert tours, Wheein realized the profound truth in Kim Shin Young’s advice.
Experiencing that emotional shift firsthand brought her to tears as she admitted to viewing MAMAMOO’s peak era through a completely new lens.
She shared that she now frequently rewatches the group’s past performances with immense pride, gratitude, and fondness for everything they accomplished together.
