HYBE, the entertainment agency behind BTS, SEVENTEEN, and others, has taken a groundbreaking step by establishing a healthcare center for its artists and staff. On January 25, the company announced the opening of this center within its 19-story office building in Yongsan, central Seoul. This initiative isn’t HYBE’s first effort to ensure the well-being of its people. HYBE has had a clinic since 2022, where an in-house nurse offered basic medication and consultations. Now, the company has kicked things up a notch.
The newly expanded healthcare center at HYBE now includes an additional nurse and an in-house doctor. HYBE artists and staff have access to a range of services, including prescription medications and emergency care. The facility has several specialized treatment rooms, one of which is specifically designated for trauma care. It also has a recovery room equipped for physical and heat therapy, an intravenous therapy room designed for fatigue recovery, and consultation rooms.
Dr. Kim Jun-ok, the new in-house doctor at the center, brings a unique skill set to HYBE. He’s a mental health professional who’s qualified to provide psychiatric treatment. He can also handle primary care for external and internal ailments. Best of all, he’s a musician with an extensive background in composition theory and orchestral conducting. This combination of medical and musical knowledge enables him to understand the unique challenges faced by those in the entertainment industry, whether they’re artists or part of the staff. His insight will be invaluable in providing top-tier care.
@thequeendarlah HYBE Makes History: Unveils In-House Mini Hospital for Employees and artists Health!😱🤩✨️ #HallyuTalkPH #TiktoktainmentPH #EntertainmentPH
HYBE could establish a new benchmark
The healthcare center is open to all HYBE staff, trainees, and artists. It’s the first of its kind in the industry, representing a proactive response to the health-related hiatuses taken by K-pop artists, including those from HYBE and other agencies.
The fact that HYBE expanded its healthcare center could establish a new benchmark for artist welfare in the industry. This move highlights the importance of healthcare in a sector often criticized for overlooking mental and physical health. It could encourage other agencies to implement similar initiatives, leading to a shift in how the industry prioritizes the overall well-being of its artists and staff.
Moreover, having on-site healthcare centers may lead to a decrease in the length and number of breaks taken for health reasons. Easy access to quality healthcare means early detection and treatment of health problems, leading to quicker recoveries and less time away from the stage. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: HYBE’s new in-house healthcare center may just be the beginning. Sources: Daum, HYBE.
