Twice’s Dahyun will be taking a hiatus from the group’s activities following an ankle fracture, her agency JYP Entertainment announced Wednesday, . The decision impacts the K-pop group’s upcoming North American tour, with Dahyun sidelined for all shows scheduled between and , including performances in Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Montreal.
The news comes after Dahyun powered through a recent concert at Oakland Arena despite being injured, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. While she completed the performance, JYP Entertainment stated that the “physical demands of the performances” raised concerns about potentially hindering her recovery. The agency emphasized that prioritizing Dahyun’s health necessitated the difficult decision to pause her participation in the tour.
“We sincerely apologise to fans who may have been surprised by this news and ask for your kind understanding, as this decision was made to prioritise Dahyun’s recovery,” JYP Entertainment said in a statement. The agency also indicated that Dahyun’s return to the group’s schedule will be contingent on a thorough assessment of her progress.
This isn’t the only adjustment to Twice’s touring plans recently. Jeongyeon is also stepping back from the group’s concert in Bulacan, Philippines, due to health reasons, according to GMA Network. While the specifics of Jeongyeon’s condition weren’t detailed, the move underscores a pattern of prioritizing member well-being amidst the rigorous demands of a global tour.
Twice’s ‘This Is For’ tour is a significant undertaking, encompassing a broad geographical range and a demanding performance schedule. The group recently performed in the Philippines, marking another stop on their extensive itinerary. The tour is slated to continue after the North American leg, with a planned concert in Taipei, Taiwan, from to .
Looking ahead, Twice is also preparing for a landmark performance in April, becoming the first foreign artist to headline a solo concert at Tokyo’s National Stadium. This event represents a major milestone for the group and a testament to their growing international influence. However, JYP Entertainment has cautioned that Dahyun’s participation in these future engagements remains uncertain, dependent on her recovery timeline.
The situation highlights the intense physical toll that K-pop performances can take on artists. The industry is known for its highly choreographed routines, demanding vocal performances, and relentless touring schedules. Increasingly, agencies are facing pressure to balance artistic ambition with the health and well-being of their performers. The decisions regarding Dahyun and Jeongyeon reflect a growing awareness of this issue, even as the demands on these groups remain exceptionally high.
The impact of Dahyun’s hiatus on the North American tour remains to be seen. While Twice has a dedicated fanbase known for its enthusiastic support, the absence of a key member is likely to affect ticket sales and overall concert attendance. JYP Entertainment has not yet announced any plans to replace Dahyun during her absence, suggesting the group will proceed with a modified lineup for the affected shows.
This situation also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the current K-pop model. The relentless pursuit of global expansion and the pressure to constantly deliver new content often come at a significant cost to the artists themselves. While agencies are beginning to address these concerns, a more fundamental shift in industry practices may be necessary to ensure the long-term health and well-being of K-pop performers.
For Twice, navigating these challenges will be crucial as they continue to build their international career. The group has consistently demonstrated resilience and adaptability, and their ability to overcome this latest setback will be a key indicator of their continued success. Fans will undoubtedly be closely monitoring Dahyun’s recovery and hoping for her swift return to the stage.
