BTS is well-known for their intense dedication to performances, which often means pushing their physical limits. With the group's rigorous schedules, choreography, and constant rehearsals, it's expected that injuries are bound to happen. The members have shown time and again that they take their health seriously, as any injury could potentially halt their performances and connection with ARMY (their fans). Of the members, Jungkook and Jimin have been particularly open about the emotional toll injuries take on them, as their inability to perform hurts them both physically and mentally. ARMY, however, is always relieved and supportive when the members recover, constantly wishing for their health and well-being.
During the Map of the Soul ON:E concert, ARMYs noticed something peculiar about SUGA. Fans observed that while performing, Suga struggled to lift his arm in sync with the other members, raising concerns about his well-being. This concern sparked a trending hashtag, #SugasShoulder, leading SUGA to address the issue publicly. He confirmed that he had indeed hurt his shoulder but assured fans that he was okay and able to continue with the concert.
However, on November 6, Big Hit Entertainment, BTS’s management company, released an official statement revealing that SUGA had undergone surgery to repair a torn shoulder labrum just a few days earlier, on November 3. The announcement explained that SUGA’s recovery would take time, and as a result, he would have to step back from most official activities, including the promotional events for BTS's upcoming album BE. This was understandably disappointing news for ARMY, but it was clear that Suga’s health needed to take priority. Below is Big Hit's full statement:
---
Hello,
This is Big Hit Entertainment.
We would like to provide information regarding the health of BTS member SUGA.
SUGA underwent surgery to repair his torn shoulder labrum on November 3. The surgery, to address a problem that had been a persistent health and wellness issue for SUGA, was completed successfully. He is currently resting and recovering based on his physician’s advice, which includes a strict and unhindered recovery period.
As many fans know, SUGA has long struggled with shoulder-related issues. His shoulder problems date back to an accident in 2012 before BTS’s debut, and he was diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder in 2013. The pain persisted, and in 2019, he was further diagnosed with a “posterior labral tear of his left shoulder.” This condition means that the cartilage surrounding his left shoulder joint had been torn. Since then, Suga has undergone various treatments to prevent the injury from affecting his daily activities and performances.
Despite receiving consistent rehabilitation and treatment, SUGA’s symptoms worsened over time. He has dealt with numerous symptoms, including the inability to lift his arms high and sudden bouts of intense pain. This had increasingly affected not only his performances on stage but also his day-to-day life. After discussing his options extensively with the company, SUGA decided to go ahead with the surgery to fully resolve the issue.
SUGA’s decision to undergo surgery was influenced by his desire to be in good health for his mandatory military service as well as to continue his music career in the future. He hopes to return to the stage stronger and healthier once his recovery is complete.
Following the surgery, SUGA will be unable to participate in most official activities so that he can focus on his recovery. After his doctors confirm that the operation site has healed sufficiently, SUGA will begin physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain his strength. However, it will likely be some time before SUGA can rejoin BTS for performances and other promotional activities, including the upcoming promotions for BTS’s BE album.
We apologize to the fans who have been eagerly waiting to see SUGA and ask for your understanding and support during his recovery period.
SUGA wishes to convey that he is “very aware of how concerned and worried the fans must be and knows how sad the fans must feel.” He asks for patience during this time, explaining that this is his chance to “prepare to meet you again strong and healthy.” Although he will be away for a while, he promises to return soon.
Big Hit Entertainment will continue to prioritize the health and safety of all our artists.
Thank you.
---
This update from Big Hit brought clarity to SUGA’s situation and explained the seriousness of his injury. His shoulder problems stemmed from an accident that occurred before BTS debuted, which resulted in a dislocation in 2013. Though he had received various treatments and rehabilitation over the years, his condition gradually worsened, culminating in a diagnosis in 2019 of a posterior labral tear, a condition that involves the tearing of cartilage around the shoulder joint. Suga’s treatment up until this point was meant to help him manage the symptoms, but with the pain growing worse and more frequent, he realized surgery was his best option for long-term relief.
For Suga, the decision to undergo surgery wasn’t taken lightly. It was motivated not just by his desire to perform without pain but also by practical considerations like his upcoming mandatory military service. He understood that to give his all in the future, both as an artist and in his personal life, he needed to prioritize his health now. Fans appreciated his openness about his health struggles, understanding how difficult it must have been for him to step back from the stage and the spotlight.
Suga's message to fans was heartfelt, as he acknowledged how worried ARMY must be. His sincere request for understanding and patience reassured his supporters that, although he would be missing from upcoming activities, this time off was essential for his well-being. Suga promised that when he returned, he would be stronger and healthier, ready to give his all once again.
ARMY, as always, was quick to shower Suga with love and support after the announcement. Fans expressed their well-wishes across social media, sending him messages of encouragement and reminding him to take all the time he needed to recover fully. The global BTS fandom, known for its deep connection with the members, collectively hoped for Suga's speedy recovery and understood the importance of him stepping back from official duties temporarily. They also trended hashtags like #GetWellSoonYoongi and #WeLoveYouYoongi, sending him positive energy.
BTS’s 2020 had already been an eventful year, filled with achievements and challenges. The group navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting to virtual concerts and keeping their connection with ARMY alive despite global lockdowns. Suga’s surgery, although a difficult hurdle, presented an opportunity for him to focus on his health without the pressure of constant travel and performances. Many fans saw this as a silver lining — the timing of the surgery allowed him to heal during a period where live performances were limited.
While Suga’s absence during the BE promotions was noticeable, BTS carried on with their characteristic resilience and professionalism. The remaining six members, knowing how much their brother meant to ARMY, ensured that they gave 110% in every performance, interview, and promotional appearance. Suga’s spirit was always present, and the group often mentioned him during promotional activities, keeping him close in their thoughts and sharing updates about his recovery with the fans.
Ultimately, this period of rest and recovery was vital for Suga. As one of BTS’s core rappers and producers, his contributions to their music are immense, and the fandom knew that giving him time to heal would only strengthen the group in the long run. Suga’s health, both physical and mental, has always been a priority for ARMY, and fans continued to support him unconditionally.
As Suga took the necessary steps to heal from his surgery, ARMY remained hopeful and optimistic about his return. The love and concern shown by the fandom demonstrated the unique bond between BTS and their fans — a relationship built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding. Through it all, the shared hope was that Suga would recover fully, return to the stage stronger than ever, and continue creating the music and performances that have touched millions around the world.
We wish Suga a quick recovery as he rests up and takes care of his shoulder and general health. He is loved and I’m sure all of ARMYs thoughts are with him at this moment and wishing him the best. They have had an eventful half of the year and this is his opportunity to completely recover and hopefully be up and about very soon.
[201106] Big Hit official notice on Weverse about Suga's shoulder surgery
— BTS Charts & Translations (@charts_k) November 6, 2020
Following the surgery, it may be difficult for Suga to meet his long-awaited fans for some time, including for the upcoming BTS “BE” album promo activities, so that he can fully focus on his recovery. pic.twitter.com/B1XFDG77HH
0 Comments