Taemin’s Tough Milestone: Switching from Military Man to Public Service
Shinee’s own star, Taemin, has moved from the army band to a public‑service role after a rough patch with depression and anxiety. The move came after his symptoms spiked, and the military decided he needed a different kind of duty to keep him safe.
Why the Switch?
- Taemin had been battling depression and anxiety long before enlisting.
- He kept up treatment and therapy while serving in the army.
- Recent flare‑ups made it hard to juggle both military life and mental‑health care.
- SM Entertainment & the defense folks agreed on a “supplementary service” transfer.
Shinee’s Military Saga
The four‑man lineup keeps marching on after the 2017 loss of Jonghyun, who had also struggled with depression.
- Taemin is the last of the group to finish his 21‑month enlistment.
- He joined forces on May 31, 2021.
- Brad, the Military Manpower Administration, posted a morale‑boosting video of him in Oct 2021.
Behind the Scenes
Rumors hit hard when people started talking about Taemin’s daily pill‑stack and nightmare stories. One anonymous chatmate said:
“Even when he struggled, he’d shine up, act like the older brother in the squad, and play with us.”
“He was the real hyung who stayed tough during training.”
Another fellow enlistee mentioned:
“When we had to part ways, he encouraged us, told us not to worry about the chatter, and said he was scared that people might judge him.”
Now the public service role gives him a chance to keep fighting his mental health while staying out of the battlefield—so we can all watch him, hopefully, get back into the groove.
SINGAPORE HELPLINES
What’s Up, Singapore: Your Mental Health Playbook
Ever feel like you’ve got too many playlists on your mind and none of them hit the right vibe? You’re not alone. The good news? Singapore has a lineup of support hotlines that’re ready to help you hit the right note.
Hotline Highlights
- Samaritans of Singapore: 1800‑221‑4444 – the go‑to for anyone feeling the weight of the world.
- Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800‑283‑7019 – we’ve got the tools for a better tomorrow.
- Care Corner Counselling Centre (Mandarin): 1800‑353‑5800 – support, but in your native language.
- Institute of Mental Health’s Helpline: 6389‑2222 – quick triage when you need professional advice.
- Silver Ribbon: 6386‑1928 – for those who need emotional grounding.
Why The Numbers Matter: A Quick Story
Think of each hotline as a backstage pass in a massive concert. Your favorite K‑pop star just dropped a new single, and the crowd’s buzz is electric. But sometimes the excitement can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling school, work, or navigating the intricacies of military life. That’s when you might feel like you’re stuck in a song that’s going on too long.
From the Front Line to the Front Desk
It’s not uncommon for active-duty personnel to experience mental health challenges—stress, anxiety, or depression—after intense training or deployments. The military community, like any other, can benefit from quick access to counseling and emotional support, just so members can stay sharp both mentally and physically.
Let’s Break It Down: The Aussie‑Style Playbook
- Call Up: First step is to dial the number that feels most comfortable for you.
- Be Honest: Just like you’d tell a friend that the last track was too slow, share how you’re truly feeling.
- Get the Plan: You’ll get a roadmap—whether it’s professional help, community groups, or just regular check‑ins.
- Stay Jam‑’d In: Keep it regular—you’re in a band, not a solo act.
Remember, you’re not alone in this chorus. Whether you’re tackling the hustle of a busy city, the rigors of the military, or navigating a life‑changing pop career, the support network is ready to bounce back with you.
