In Their Own Words: These Are The Mental And Physical Hardships Each BLACKPINK Member Faced Behind The Scenes

Some may be quick to assume that the members of BLACKPINK live easy lives due to their fame, but the reality is that they are often sick or injured. Their physical and mental well being are repeatedly pushed to their limits as a result of their work.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, they talked about the hardships they faced in the past few years. Check them out below.

1. Rosé

First up, the COVID-19 pandemic was a big ordeal for Rosé. Her workload continued to increase to the point where she got sick with shingles, a viral infection that causes painful rashes or blisters. Once she was bedridden, self-doubted started to crawl in.

I’ve never rested like that in my life, and it was the worst. I was sick at one point — you know, things your body goes through when stress hits you? I got the shingles. It came with me not knowing what to do in a life without work. I was a workaholic, obviously. I couldn’t stand the fact that suddenly all of our schedules were empty for the next two to three months. I started to think, ‘What if people aren’t interested in me, or us, by the end of this pandemic? What am I going to do for the rest of my life?’

— Rosé

She was thankfully able to recover both physically and emotionally.

I don’t know why I thought like that. Now that I think about it, I’m so dramatic. Why am I so dramatic?

— Rosé

2. Lisa

Lisa, meanwhile, went through a tough time around four years ago. The trouble she faced when trying to sing made stepping foot inside a recording studio difficult.

In the past, I used to only rap. One day, [Teddy] told me to try vocals. But I’m so bad at singing. At least, there was a time when I was really bad. That whole year between ‘As If It’s Your Last’ [2017] and ‘DDU-DU DDU-DU’ [2018] was really rough for me. When I went to the studio to record, nothing came out. I cried. I felt like I was bringing the team down.

— Lisa

With main producer Teddy‘s help, Lisa was able to get past her fears.

Because of Teddy, I overcame that time. I feel a little more confident about singing now.

— Lisa

3. Jennie

Jennie often thinks, “How do I stay healthy?” In the Rolling Stone interview, she brought up their last world tour and how she was exhausted because of it. Not only were she and her fellow members tired due to their tight schedules, but they were also missing the comforts of home.

I became sick, both mentally and physically, after the last world tour ended [in 2020]. This isn’t something I want to share in too much detail with the fans. They worry, so I want to be vague. But for three years after debuting, we worked nonstop without resting. You know, we were young, in our early twenties. Our sleep systems were breaking down; we weren’t eating properly; I wasn’t hydrating myself—we did that for three to four years, and then started our tour. We were on tour for a year and a half. For a year and a half I didn’t have a home.

— Jennie

No matter how sick she was, the show had to go on.

If I touched something I’d have an allergic reaction. I had no immune system at all, but we needed to keep touring. When the tour was done, we got some time off to be at home. Back then, I didn’t have time to learn how to take care of myself. I’m a very delicate person.

— Jennie

4. Jisoo

Last but certainly not the least, Jisoo spoke the most about her mental and physical health. She started the interview off with a confession that she was “not [feeling] too good.” Last April, she had to visit the doctor due to an injured leg.

I didn’t sleep well. I fell asleep around eight this morning. After this interview, I have to go to the hospital because my leg hurts. I bumped into a door really hard; it’s not broken or fractured, but it’s been hurting for the past month, so I need to get another X-ray.

— Jisoo

She was simply thankful that the group was not yet in the dance practice preparation stage of their incoming comeback.

Luckily, we’re not done with recording [for BLACKPINK’s upcoming album], so I don’t need to use my legs yet. The choreography comes after the songs are done. I hope to heal quickly before then.

— Jisoo

Jisoo also recounted the iconic Coachella performances of BLACKPINK. Though she was giving it her all in front of the camera, she was taking medicine to numb the excruciating pain she was in due to her back behind it.

When we were performing at Coachella [in 2019], my back hurt so badly. Every night I was getting painkillers. I wanted to perform sitting down. But my pride wouldn’t allow myself to sit. And it wasn’t because ‘I love this stage so much’; stronger was my sense of responsibility and duty.

— Jisoo

Behind BLACKPINK’s smiling faces, they often power through multiple injuries and hardships.

Learn more about Jisoo’s story below.

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Bares Her Soul In Moving “Rolling Stone” Interview About Her Mental Health