Tony An, a member of the legendary first-generation K-pop group H.O.T, revealed his past battle with severe depression during the 10th anniversary special of tvN STORY’s talk program 'No Way I’m an Adult', aired on July 29 KST.
The episode featured a special lecture by Jim Yong Kim, former President of the World Bank, who spoke about mental health and Korea’s growing challenge with depression. “Anxiety and loneliness are closely linked to pain, and these are treatable issues,” Kim emphasized. “The only way to address this problem is for the Korean public to come together and demand change.”
Referencing Hollywood figures like Dwayne Johnson, Lady Gaga, and Emma Thompson who have openly discussed their struggles with mental health, Kim encouraged more open conversations.
During the talk, Tony An shared his personal experience:
“In my late 20s, I suffered from deep depression. I thought about death every day. I was heavily dependent on alcohol and medication. It was a really dark period in my life.”
He reflected on the root causes of his mental health struggles, saying:
“Looking back, I think it was about comparison. Social media makes it easy to see others living better, more successful lives, and I became obsessed with trying to do more, to be more. That obsession took away my happiness.”
When asked whether he ever had dangerous thoughts, Tony answered candidly:
“I used to live on a high floor. I remember looking down and thinking bad thoughts. I even held a knife once. It was that serious.”
He concluded by stressing the need for self-compassion, adding:
“So many of those moments came from comparing myself to others. I think that obsession with success was what really dragged me down.”
'No Way I’m an Adult' airs every Tuesday at 8:20 PM KST on tvN STORY.
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