GOT7’s Yugyeom opens up about financial struggles despite fame
GOT7’s Yugyeom revealed he hit a tough patch financially and mentally during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The idol explained he had the least amount of solo activities, but was still the main breadwinner for his family.
He said finances got tight when performances were canceled.
Yugyeom shared this in a candid talk with YouTuber Draw Andrew.
He admitted,
“I thought I would never let any kind of stress or obstacles get in my head. For the rest of my life, too. I didn’t think I’d ever be affected. But then, I fell into a period of slump, too. I did have my moments of mental exhaustion.”
He added,
“I was active with GOT7 at the time. And among all the members, I had the least amount of individual promotions going. I didn’t have a packed schedule or anything. But back home, I was still the breadwinner for my family. I think that’s when it got a bit difficult for me, financially. Especially since all the performances got canceled, too.”
Yugyeom channeled his energy into music, songwriting, and choreography during that slump.
He recalled,
“I felt so uneasy, not doing anything. I kept thinking to myself, ‘I should be working harder and doing literally anything.’ So I started focusing on making music. I basically stayed in my room all day, making songs every day. And I contacted the hyungs I used to know from the dance academy that I went to when I was in my first year of high school. We got together again, made choreographies, and practiced.”
Fans responded with support and respect for his openness.
Since leaving JYP Entertainment in 2021, Yugyeom signed with AOMG and participated in GOT7’s comebacks in May 2022 and January 2025.
This revelation highlights the hidden struggles idols can face behind the scenes, even at the peak of K-pop success.
