TWICE's Japanese member Mina may miss album promotions due to anxiety disorder

[Courtesy of JYP Entertainment]

SEOUL -- Mina, a troubled Japanese member of Girl band TWICE, may not participate in activities to promote a new album due to an anxiety disorder, the nine-member band's agency said. Her problem received great attention as it came at the height of a trade war between South Korea and Japan.

"After checking through multiple professional medical institutions, Mina was diagnosed as suffering from an anxiety disorder," JYP Entertainment said in a statement on Tuesday. The announcement came a day after the agency revealed TWICE's comeback plans.

Mina, 22, pulled out of TWICE's world concert tour earlier this year after she suffered from extreme anxiety and insecurity about being on stage. JYP asked for fans' understanding as Mina's participation in upcoming promotion activities is unclear. The agency said its decision would be based on the singer's health conditions.

Extreme anxiety occurs continuously or intermittently and the level of anxiety fluctuates abruptly, JYP said, adding that because of this variable situation, Mina's activities are judged through consultation with herself and members.

"I ask you to understand that Mina's participation in the schedule must be based absolutely on her objective health condition, which inevitably leads to some choice," JYP said. TWICE is to return in late September with a new album. The band is currently shooting a music video and preparing for the launch of the title song.

TWICE, which debuted in 2015, has three Japanese members -- Mina, Momo and Sana, who have been targeted by cyberbullies. Cyberattacks on Japanese K-pop stars have intensified in recent years because of a diplomatic row between Seoul and Tokyo over issues related to Japan's 1910~1945 colonial rule.

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com

TWICE's Japanese member Mina may miss album promotions due to anxiety disorder

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