Eric Nam admits mental health problems led him away from Korea: 'I was really struggling'

Korean-American star Eric Nam revealed that health conditions led him to leave his life in South Korea. 

In a YouTube video by creator Jaykeeout, the singer-actor shared that his showbiz career in his home country took a toll on his mental health. 

“To be honest, there were a lot of things that were really hard while living in Korea. My mental health got worse, and overall my physical health declined too,” he said.

Nam admitted to having a different disposition outside his lively personality on screen.

“On screen, I looked positive, bright, kind and fun. But inside, I was really struggling. Even just sitting down to have a cup of coffee felt a little scary," he added.

Nam then elaborated on the the seriousness of his health conditions. “As my health worsened, I ate nothing but porridge for three months. I developed panic disorder, and I experienced paralysis in my arms, fingers, back discs and legs. At one point, the right side of my face suddenly lost sensation,” he said.

Since 2020, Nam shifted his career in the US, acting in the American reality series The Traitors among other Hollywood projects. He added that he felt lonely as he moved back and forth to Korea and America, managing his own demanding schedule. 

“I’m always on my own,” he said. “I don’t have a manager traveling with me, no hair, makeup or stylist—I do everything myself.”

Since 2013, Nam is known for his bilingual music and a global fan base. He is set to star in an unnamed K-pop-themed movie produced by Paramount Pictures and HYBE.