AOA Jimin Reveals Emotional Struggles Before Album Release

Former AOA member Jimin reveals her thoughts before new album release. (Photo / Jimin SNS)
Jimin Opens Up About Emotional Battle Before Album Release
Former AOA member Jimin has shared an emotional and deeply personal message ahead of her latest music release, revealing the intense mental and physical struggles she endured while preparing the project.
On June 9, Jimin took to Instagram to reflect on the difficult month leading up to her comeback, describing herself as emotionally overwhelmed and exhausted.
“Finally, there’s only one day left until the release,” she wrote. “For about a month, I was a complete mess. I couldn’t explain what I was feeling to anyone, and I became the most sensitive person in the world.”
“I Had to Drink Every Night to Sleep”
Jimin admitted that the pressure surrounding the album affected her daily life to the point where she struggled to sleep.
“I normally don’t drink much, but for an entire month I had to drink every night just to fall asleep,” she revealed. “Medication wasn’t helping.”
The singer explained that she began distancing herself from friends because of her emotional state.
“Even meeting the few friends I have became difficult. I was so sensitive all the time. Whenever I met people, I still couldn’t organize my thoughts and often came home feeling hurt for reasons I couldn’t explain.”
Her candid confession quickly drew concern and support from fans who praised her honesty.
Breaking Down After Completing the Project
Jimin said she finally completed work on her music video on June 8, a moment that brought both relief and overwhelming emotion.
“The first thing I thought was, ‘Thank goodness it’s over,'” she recalled.
However, the emotional release that followed caught her by surprise.
“After submitting everything for review, I looked in the mirror and cried for about 20 minutes.”
She described the physical toll the project had taken on her health.
“My face looked dark, my hair had turned completely white, my lips were cracked, and I had bitten my hands so badly that I couldn’t even shampoo my hair properly.”
The Hidden Cost of Creative Pressure
The singer also revealed that stress had triggered compulsive habits she had been trying to overcome.
“I promised myself I would stop biting my hands, but before I knew it, I was doing it again.”
Jimin added that she frequently found herself crying throughout the day without fully understanding why.
She even expressed guilt toward her pet dog, saying the demanding schedule had kept her away from home for long periods.
“I realized I remembered all the things my dog hadn’t done for me, but not the things I failed to do for him. I’m sorry.”
Doubts About Returning to Music
Beyond the physical exhaustion, Jimin admitted she struggled with self-doubt throughout the production process.
She questioned whether the friends who helped create the album would ultimately feel proud of the final result.
Despite those fears, she emphasized that she poured everything she had into the project.
“I truly did my best,” she said.
Jimin explained that she personally handled many aspects of the production process, including scouting filming locations, transporting props, coordinating outfits, and managing schedules.
After long days of work, she often returned home exhausted.
“I would get home after hours of traveling and think, ‘What’s tomorrow’s schedule again?’ Then I’d tell myself, ‘Let’s just have a drink and go to sleep early.'”
“Many People Still Don’t Like Me”
Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of Jimin’s message came when she addressed the public criticism that has followed her for years.
“What does it matter if the song is good? What does it matter if the music video is good?” she asked. “A lot of people simply don’t like me.”
She also expressed sadness that even close friends have received negative comments simply because they remain associated with her.
“It hurts knowing that my friends are criticized just because they’re close to me.”
At the same time, she thanked those who have continued to stand by her side through difficult periods.

Looking Forward, Not Back
Jimin concluded her message by sharing what she hopes to achieve through her return to music.
“I don’t expect great love or massive support,” she wrote.
“I just want to be someone my friends, my fans, and my family can be proud of.”
The singer debuted with AOA in 2012 and left the group in 2020 following controversy involving former member Kwon Mina.
Now, years later, Jimin is attempting to move forward through music once again—while openly acknowledging the emotional scars and challenges that continue to accompany her journey.
With her new release finally arriving, fans are hoping the project marks not only a musical comeback but also a healthier and more positive chapter in her life.
Park Minji is a K‑pop writer and journalist who delivers sharp insights and engaging stories on Korean music and culture for global readers.
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