Because of sasaengs, Changmin's scared of taxis and school uniforms

[anconeous.livejournal.com]

Sasaeng fans have traumatized a number of idols, and TVXQ’s Changmin was one of them. So much so that apparently he needed to seek help through therapy. In the February 5 broadcast of KBS2′s Moonlight Prince, the panels and guest Lee Bo Young started talking about their own joys and sorrows while speaking of the book Hector′s Voyage or the Search for Happiness by François Lelord.

When MC Kang Ho Dong commented to Changmin, "You probably won′t have time to be unhappy thanks to your busy schedule and popularity," he said, "I used to think I was unhappy. There were fans who chased me around in taxis whenever I went out. From then I always started to feel uneasy whenever I saw taxis. I started thinking, ′Is that a fan? Should I get out to check?′ I became nervous."

He explained that TVXQ’s popularity because a huge burden and said, "I got nervous when I see even one (sasaeng). When I was walking in the streets, of course there were students in uniforms walking too. But when I saw them, I found myself walking with my head bowed to cover my face, touching my phone. I didn’t think I was lucky. I thought I had earned as much unhappiness as happiness."

Because of this, he ended up seeking help, stating, “I received a light consultation. I think these days people are more easily hurt psychologically rather than physically," he said. "Wherever I went, I started to think people were watching me, and it felt like since I′m famous I should avoid meeting people. I just closed up after that."

And now, he says, “I”m enjoying every moment now. I’m happy.” He jokingly commented “I even flipped my hair back now so everyone will recognize me.”

Source: ningin, enewsWorld, dongA

Changmin bb! :( It's ridiculous how all 5 DBSK guys have had to deal with sasaengs since freaking 2004. I remember reading somewhere that Changmin infamously broke down crying in the middle of a sidewalk while he was surrounded by sasaengs who just kept taking his picture. :(

Comments

[theharleyquinn.livejournal.com]

Poor Changmin. Out of all 5 DBSK guys, he's definitely the one that seems most uncomfortable with the fame aspect of idol-dom. He's pretty reserved. I don't know how he developed the patience to deal with the stress after being troubled for so long.

As a side note, his hair looks fantastic.

[racquelle2005.livejournal.com]

I'm glad he actually went to get help instead of taking the alternative and lashing out.

[epona.livejournal.com]

perfect comment

[goldynchickie.livejournal.com]

It's really nice to see that he sought out help.

[annhh.livejournal.com]

Good to hear he's okay now ^^

I wish more celebs would seek out professional help.

[royu-kiyo.livejournal.com]

Good on him for seeking help. Plus, he looks great in those pics above.

[asnindie.livejournal.com]

He looks good.

Am I the only who got serious amount of shade from his comments? I really hope SM protects these two, because Sm have really put them through enough. It's disgusting how they let their fans assault them on a daily basis for so many years.

[jkkwai.livejournal.com]

ia
my poor bb ):

[dokyungsoo.livejournal.com]

idk, but even observing him just through his activities/interviews/interactions with fans, i can actually see how much his way of thinking gradually began to change? he seems much happier and satisfied with where he is now compared to just a few years ago, even though it took a while for him to get where he is and that's completely understandable, since he owes no one anything. he's been through... so much. i'm damn proud of how he handled the situation, he's one of the most intelligent idols around for sure, and i'm really happy things looked up, stay strong bb :)

[umbrella-smile.livejournal.com]

"I received a light consultation"

I think this should be bolded. I am so happy he is being open about receiving therapy no matter how small.

[asnindie.livejournal.com]

Exactly, esp with the stigma attached to mental health.

[suhbangshinki.livejournal.com]

And now, he says, “I”m enjoying every moment now. I’m happy.” He jokingly commented “I even flipped my hair back now so everyone will recognize me.”

oh changmin <3

[hipployta.livejournal.com]

Oh my Changmin baby...baby...my #2 DB5K bias forever.

I am still so sad over the things you went thru but I am so happy you are in a happy place.

I still see you as the little kid you were at debut (much like Taemin).

[prettyminstrel.livejournal.com]

my god i remember seeing that picture of him crying and my heart broke so HARD ;~;

[krobwell.livejournal.com]

imagine a world where sasaengs don't exist
it's beautiful

[djlancerock.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad he's doing better

and god he's so hot

[45s.livejournal.com]

Agreed. This is me but out of the 5 he seemed the most grounded. He's a great kid

[honeyfunnybunny.livejournal.com]

still haunted by that picture of him crying surrounded by fangirls :/
thank god he got the help he needed, i'm so proud of him.

[chunfacebiased.livejournal.com]

i'm sorry to bother you, but i wasn't aware of this photo. do you have any links?

[hisjulliet.livejournal.com]

Companies should really stop treating idols that they're some kind of perfect holy beings. It's not healthy and realistic, and the idols have to suffer for it.

[edanz-castle.livejournal.com]

Damn it's sad he had/has to go through this but I am glad he decided upon getting the help that he needs to deal with it. It really must have been really hard for him. I hope the other member's had went to go and get therapy as well. These guys will be scarred for life.

[nissy-angel.livejournal.com]

Really glad he's doing better.

[chibiyunie.livejournal.com]

That is a pretty bold move to actually come out and state you got professional help - good job! It is a good thing he got the help he needed, he seems like he is in a better place now (emotionally, mentally) so I am happy for him :)

Maybe it is because I have never actually been a die hard fan of anything (except my SNSD babies) but I just do not understand these sasaengs and their pattern of thinking. Your obsessive stalking is not making your idol happy. As a fan you want your idol to be happy, right? Well stop stalking them then. As much as I would love to meet some of my idols, I rather do it in a normal and respectful matter or just adore them from afar instead of using the methods these sasaengs use. Look at your life, look at your choices and have some priorities that matter, instead of aimlessly spending your time stalking someone who is obviously not charmed by you.

He looks a little bit off in the pictures, but that could just be me. His hair looks divine though <3

[twicefolds.livejournal.com]

I think it's precisely because many of the sasaengs prioritise their own happiness about the idols that they are sasaengs.

Looking at the sasaeng posts awhile back, the thinking runs along the desire to feel 'special' and they don't care whether it's a good or bad 'special'. They may want their idols to feel happy, but that seems to largely revolve around believing their (sasaeng's) actions make their idols happy.

I honestly don't think many - if any - sasaengs actually think about the impact of their actions on the person they're harassing :/

[11th-dance.livejournal.com]

<3 changmin's flawless.

[engraved-16.livejournal.com]

ugh that's really sad that he got traumatized like that, i know i wouldn't be able to handle an idol lifestyle D:

im so glad that he sought therapy to help him through it.

[airyclouds.livejournal.com]

That's why Changmin is still my favourite TVXQ member to this day.

The crap he had to endure starting out at a young age (that photo of him crying makes me so sad) along with the four others. He's always been rather distant over the celebrity aspect and kudos to him for mentioning that he's done some consultations like therapy. Usually something as mental illness is usually brushed off in any Asian society.

[snowmog.livejournal.com]

Is it just me or does anyone else feel like he really downplayed how much therapy he had? Poor guy, he must have gone through a lot. I know DBSK have had some of the worst saesangs out there and it's sad to see that SM (and Korean law) didn't or couldn't do more to help.

But in a way I'm glad he's admitted to getting some help. I know Korea has an issue with mental health problems and things that need addressing sometimes aren't. If you have an issue you're generally expected to struggle along with everyone else and act like nothing's wrong. And because of the stigma I imagine that a lot of people don't go get help when they should or don't necessarily have access to it. If more people like Changmin admit that they have had some sort of help, I hope that it'll gradually make it okay for people to do so; however slowly that change happens.

[joy-twinz.livejournal.com]

Poor Changmin. I'm glad he's okay now.

[pladpuss.livejournal.com]

Appoint me as their body guard seriously 5'10 curvy and trained in kick boxing I take them sasaengs doooown. Seriously I hate that the most, they have no respect for these celebrities personal space or privacy. Its all about themselves, and it sickens me they obviously get a high off of distressing their "idols" and they don't give a shit just as long as they get what they want. I honestly wouldn't be able to handle it. Changmin is really a strong man though I imagine it takes a lot to be able to push pass the crazy fans who give you troubles.