Former YG Entertainment Idol Popular For Her Vocals Suffers From Severe Stage Anxiety

Lee Younghyun — best known for her powerful vocals in YG Entertainment‘s Big Mama —  recently shared her personal battle with stage fright for the first time during her guest appearance on Diva Sisters 2.

In the opening episode of Diva Sisters 2, set to air on March 12th at 8:40 PM, Lee Younghyun joins the cast, including Chae Ri Na, Lee Ji Hye, Ivy, Narsha, and Choa. The program promises a closer look at the experiences of these artists, touching on the realities that come with public life and performance.

During the episode, Lee Younghyun openly discussed a difficult period in her career — sparked by the immense pressure and expectations following her successful stint on the popular singing competition I Am a Singer.

She recounts a particularly low point when she had to stop a performance mid-way, which led to a 2-3 year break from her music career. This period was also marked by financial struggles, to the extent that she had to borrow money just to pay her phone bill.

After that, I took a 2-3 year break… I was so broke I had to borrow money from my sister to pay my phone bill.

— Lee on “Diva Sisters 2”

Further “complicating” her situation was the diagnosis of anxiety and bipolar disorder, for which she has been consistently medicated.

I was diagnosed with anxiety and bipolar disorder and have been taking medication consistently.

— Lee on “Diva Sisters 2”

Regarding her stage anxiety, Lee recalled a sweet gesture made by her friend trying to help the singer overcome it. Younghyun shared that her friend started taking her to karaoke rooms so she could sing freely with no anxiety or stage fright. The Big Mama star also revealed further details on the extent of her stage fright, explaining where the anxiety seems to stem from.

I worry about giving the audience the worst experience if I hit a wrong note or perform poorly on stage, given they’ve bought expensive tickets… When I’m on stage, my body feels so numb, from my hands to the tip of my nose.

— Lee on “Diva Sisters 2”

ygngg will focus more on music with big mama style girl group so are we getting vocals like this? damn come faster please pic.twitter.com/uvw1XRsyru

— ♭ (@ygbaemon) August 1, 2021

BIGMAMA WOW THE VOCALSpic.twitter.com/HVHsRxGnU6

— 스카이♡ (@YGENTHUSIAST) June 23, 2021

Fans and netizens have since been praising Lee for constantly incredible vocals — despite her severe stage anxiety — and strength when facing such difficult obstacles.