MAMAMOO’s Hwasa has recently revealed a startling health challenge she faced during her ongoing North American tour.
Known for her fierce stage presence and powerful vocals, Hwasa opened up on the latest episode of KBS’s Crazy Rich Koreans about the physical and mental toll the demanding tour has taken on her—especially a hearing injury caused by a malfunctioning in-ear monitor.
A Tough Tour with Health Struggles
The episode, aired on July 13, offered fans a rare and vulnerable glimpse of Hwasa’s experience during the Boston leg of her Twits fan concert tour.
Right from the start, the singer was visibly unwell, wearing a noticeable frown and admitting she feared she was coming down with a cold.
“This was the most threatening moment since the tour began… I felt like I was really about to catch something. I was incredibly worried, mostly about my physical condition and stamina,” Hwasa shared candidly.
Despite feeling under the weather, Hwasa pushed through, showing her professionalism and dedication.
Once she arrived at the venue, she headed straight to rehearsal and did her best to conserve her voice for the demanding performances ahead.
Dealing with Injury While Performing
As if battling illness wasn’t enough, Hwasa also experienced a flare-up of pain from a previous foot injury during rehearsals.
This prompted concern from show hosts Jun Hyun Moo and Park Se Ri, who warned her about pushing her body too hard.
Jun Hyun Moo remarked,
“You probably shouldn’t even be doing choreographies like that if your foot hurts.”
Hwasa’s response highlighted the solidarity and resilience shared among performers:
“Probably not. But the dancers are the same. We all grind through it together.”
This moment underscored the intense physical demands placed on K-Pop idols, who often must perform intricate choreography even when their bodies are not at 100%.
The Shocking In-Ear Monitor Incident
The most alarming revelation came later in the episode when Hwasa shared how the overwhelming volume at concerts has caused damage to her hearing.
She explained that the roaring audience and the need to hear herself clearly on stage forced her to turn her in-ear monitor to extremely high volumes.
Hwasa revealed,
“When it gets that loud, it triggers my tinnitus, and it keeps damaging my eardrum. But I still crank my in-ear all the way up. At one point, the in-ear monitor literally burst.”
The incident was alarming not only because the monitor exploded but because it resulted in actual hearing damage.
“It did. That’s why I have trouble hearing in my left ear,” Hwasa said, disclosing that the injury has led to ongoing hearing difficulties.
When asked if the incident occurred at the Boston concert, she clarified,
“No. But I always have the in-ear to be at full volume, so my eardrum is damaged. I constantly hear ringing in my ear.”
The Reality of Tinnitus and Hearing Loss in the Music Industry
Hwasa’s admission shines a light on the lesser-known occupational hazards faced by musicians, particularly those in the K-Pop industry.
Constant exposure to loud music and the necessity to hear every note clearly can lead to tinnitus—a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears—and long-term hearing loss.
Her experience serves as a powerful reminder of the physical sacrifices artists endure to deliver flawless performances. The fact that Hwasa continues to perform despite these challenges is a testament to her dedication and professionalism.
Looking Ahead: Hwasa’s Upcoming Tour Dates
Despite these health setbacks, Hwasa has impressively completed the North American leg of her Twits fancon tour. She shows no signs of slowing down, with upcoming concerts scheduled to resume on August 10 in Bangkok, followed by a European tour extending into November 2025.
Fans and industry professionals alike admire Hwasa’s resilience and grit as she pushes forward, balancing her health concerns with the rigorous demands of a global tour.
Fan and Industry Reactions
The revelation of Hwasa’s hearing loss has sparked an outpouring of support and concern from fans around the world. Many applauded her strength and determination, expressing hope for her full recovery and encouraging her to prioritize her health.
Others have raised awareness about the importance of hearing protection for performers and called for better safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Testament to Hwasa’s Strength and Dedication
Hwasa’s story is more than just an account of physical hardship; it’s a powerful testament to her commitment to her craft and her fans. Even while facing health challenges that could sideline many performers, she continues to deliver high-energy performances with unwavering passion.
Her candidness in discussing her struggles provides fans a deeper understanding of the toll that life on the road can take on idols, often masked by their dazzling stage personas.
