[TV Report] Former 4Minute member Heo Ga-yoon tearfully opened up about her challenging past in a recent interview.
Heo made an appearance on the February 25th episode of tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block.”
The singer, who has been residing in Bali for three years, revealed the reason behind her sudden relocation. “I never planned on leaving, but a series of hardships took a toll on my physical health,” Heo explained. “I initially went to Bali for a brief respite, but I found such peace there that I decided to stay.”
When host Yoo Jae-suk remarked on her healthy and happy appearance, Heo responded, “I hear that a lot. People often say I resemble Disney’s Moana.”
Addressing misconceptions about her lifestyle in Bali, Heo clarified, “People assume I have substantial savings or come from wealth, but that’s far from the truth. I actually spend less than 10,000 KRW (7.5 USD) a day here. While tourist spots can be pricey, local eateries offer meals for just 2,000 to 3,000 KRW (1.5 to 2.25 USD). I spent more money when I lived in Korea.”
Reflecting on her trainee days, which began at 14, Heo shared, “I endured things I shouldn’t have in pursuit of my dream to become a singer.” She bravely recounted a painful experience: “I was bullied during my trainee period. Out of fear and determination to achieve my dream, I chose to endure it. I only begged them not to hit my face.” Her candid revelation left the audience visibly moved.
Discussing 4Minute’s disbandment before reaching their seventh anniversary, Heo expressed, “We were all disappointed. After seven years together, it felt bittersweet.” She then spoke about her transition to acting, admitting, “I’ve lost count of how many auditions I’ve attended, but things haven’t panned out as I’d hoped.”
Heo also revealed her seven-year struggle with binge eating, which stemmed from insomnia. “As my sleepless nights increased, so did my binge eating,” she explained. “I’d go from one convenience store to another, buying everything in sight. It wasn’t just increased appetite – my hands would shake even when I wasn’t hungry, and I couldn’t feel fullness. I’d only stop when my stomach was in pain.” She added, “I couldn’t even wait to take off my coat before starting to eat.”
The former idol continued, “A psychiatric evaluation revealed I have strong perfectionist tendencies and severe obsessive-compulsive traits. I thought it was normal because I’d experienced it from such a young age.” She reflected, “I’d been constantly evaluated since I was 14, with people only pointing out my flaws. As a result, I became an adult who felt compelled to control every aspect of myself.”
Heo then shared a personal tragedy – the loss of her older brother when she was 31. “He collapsed from heart disease just three days before his scheduled surgery,” she said, her voice breaking. After sorting through his belongings, she recalled, “Everything was new because he had just moved out on his own. It was heartbreaking. He had worked so hard.” Heo added, “I used to dislike being asked, ‘What are you up to these days?’ Now, the question that hurts the most is, ‘How many siblings do you have?'” At this point, she was visibly fighting back tears.
