TWICE gives rare glimpse of insecurities at Singapore concert

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<p>In the world of K-pop, girl group TWICE is undoubtedly one of the reigning queens. The nonet, which has released hit after hit that you just can’t seem to get out of your head, has been hailed as the nation’s girl group, a title only bestowed to those who are at the very top of their game.</p>
<p>This was exactly why seeing the K-pop royalty, known for their bubblegum-sweet, infectious feel-good tunes, break down before our very eyes at their latest concert, TWICELIGHTS in Singapore held last Saturday (July 13), was especially poignant.</p>
<p>Before naysayers claim that the group was doing it to garner sympathy, here’s a little background information. On July 11, two days before the Singapore concert was slated to take place, label JYP issued a statement saying Japanese member Mina would be pulling out from the rest of the tour as she “is currently struggling with sudden extreme anxiety and insecurity toward performing on stage. No exact diagnosis has been identified yet”. After a discussion with Mina and the rest of the TWICE members, they decided that she needed treatment and rest, and that she will be focusing on her recovery. They did not specify a date when Mina will make her return.</p>
<p>This is especially significant as K-pop idols have been known to be rushed to the hospital for various reasons, only to go back to their scheduled performances a day, or even hours later.</p>
<p>Hence, only eight members came to Singapore. Throughout the first two hours or so, Chaeyoung, Dahyun, Jeongyeon, Jihyo, Momo, Nayeon, Sana and Tzuyu danced and sang on stage, smiling and giving their A-game for the 10,000 ONCE (as TWICE fans are collectively known) who had gathered at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.</p>
<p>Of course, there were tiny cracks in their bubbly on-stage personas, like the time we saw them wipe stray tears as they sang ballad ‘You In My Heart’, or when their smiles faltered just a little when they thought the cameras weren’t on them. As a whole, they looked noticeably more tired than the last time we saw them.</p>
<p>And yet, there was no mention of Mina, at least, not until a fan-made video played on the big screen. The moving tribute, created by local fans, compiled moments from their previous visits to our little red dot. The floodgates were unleashed when Mina’s face came on screen. “But being a singer was my dream, so I have to try really hard while I can,” she said.</p>
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