[Sportschosun Lee Ji-hyun] Rapper Dok2 candidly explained why he left Korea.
Dok2 revealed the reason he left Korea during an appearance on rapper Dumbfounded's YouTube podcast, "Home Room Show," which was released on the 17th.
In the video, Dok2 said, "I left for the United States in 2018 and have not returned to Korea even once," adding that he currently splits his time between Los Angeles and Hawaii. He also admitted that he suffered severe mental distress while promoting in Korea.
Dok2 said, "Around the time I released my album 'Beverly 1lls,' I was in such bad shape that I had suicidal thoughts every day." He added, "I received treatment for mental health issues, and doctors and counselors told me to stop working immediately and rest." He continued, "I even vomited right before going on stage, and I took 23 pills a day. Aside from the last hour of sleep, I was essentially living on medication for 23 hours a day, and I kept that up for five years."
He also said that his fame in Korea made things even harder. Dok2 recalled, "I owned 12 cars, including a Rolls-Royce and a Lamborghini, but I still couldn't even go out freely." He added, "I would drive to McDonald's for a burger at the drive-thru and still feel depressed. I once went to a Nike store, and people gathered so quickly that I couldn't get out of the car for more than an hour."
He went on to say, "In Korea, my panic disorder and vomiting symptoms were severe. Even now, just imagining arriving at Incheon International Airport and being stared at by people feels overwhelming." He emphasized, "I left Korea not for money, but for my health and freedom." He explained, "I was at the peak of my career and had a multimillion-dollar contract, but I had no choice but to leave after trusting the advice of a psychiatrist."
Finally, Dok2 said, "I no longer take medication and have regained my health in the sunlight and nature." He added, "I am preparing music projects and a tour with Lee Hi."
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