BTS member Suga recovering after shoulder tear surgery–Big Hit

BTS member Suga underwent surgery to repair his torn shoulder labrum on Nov. 3, according to the group’s agency Big Hit Entertainment.

In a statement shared on the Weverse fan platform Friday, Big Hit said the surgery was meant “to address a problem that had constantly been a health and wellness issue” for the BTS rapper, whose real name is Min Yoon-gi.

“The surgery … was completed successfully and he is currently resting and recovering following his physician’s advice that Suga must undergo a strict and unhindered period of recovery,” said Big Hit.

The BTS member had long suffered from shoulder-related health issues, which began in an accident in 2012, before his debut, and he was diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder in 2013.

According to Big Hit, Suga’s shoulder pains continued until he was further diagnosed in 2019 with “posterior labral tear of his left shoulder,” which means that the cartilage around his left shoulder joint has been torn.

“Since then, he has continued to receive various treatment to prevent his injury from affecting his activities,” said the agency.

Big Hit also said the BTS rapper had long suffered from a wide range of symptoms, including the inability to raise his arms high and sudden bouts of pain. “He underwent constant rehabilitation and treatment during his career, but unfortunately his symptoms did not improve measurably. These symptoms have appeared with increasing frequency in recent years, affecting Suga not only on the stage but in the course of his daily life as well,” the agency pointed out.

The company also said Suga “felt that it was important for him to restore himself to good health to prepare for his mandatory military service as well as his post-service musical career.”

Big Hit also addressed concerns on the activities of the group following this development, as BTS is set to release their new album “BE” on Nov. 20.

“Following the surgery, Suga will be unable to participate in most official activities so that he may fully focus on his recovery. Once doctors determine that the site of the operation has healed sufficiently, Suga will begin physical therapy so that he can ultimately return to the stage healthy and fully recovered. It may be difficult for Suga to meet his long-awaited fans for some time, including for the upcoming BTS ‘BE’ album promotional activities. We apologize to every fan who has waited patiently to meet Suga again, and we ask for your generous and loving understanding,” said the company.

“Suga wishes his fans to know that he is ‘very aware of how concerned and worried the fans must be, and knows how sad the fans must feel,’” it added.

The statement quoted Suga as saying: “Please understand this time as being my chance to prepare to meet you again strong and healthy, and even if I must be away for a short while please wait for me to come back to you.”

Apart from releasing a new album later this month, BTS is also scheduled to perform at the American Music Awards (AMAs) on Nov. 23 (Philippine time) and at Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) on Dec. 6. – GMA News