South Korean singer HyunA fainted while performing at the Waterbomb 2025 music festival in Macau on Sunday, November 9. She was singing her hit song "Bubble Pop!" when she suddenly collapsed and fell to the floor.
Her backup dancers quickly came to assist her, and she was carried off the stage by security personnel. The performance was briefly paused after the incident.
The collapse raised worries about HyunA’s health, with many connecting it to her recent rapid weight loss. She had lost 10 kilograms (about 22 pounds) in a single month through a strict diet after marriage in October 2024, amid rumors of pregnancy caused by weight gain, which she addressed on Instagram.
HyunA had a prior diagnosis of vasovagal syncope in 2020, a condition that can cause sudden drops in blood pressure and heart rate, triggered by stress, fatigue, or extreme dieting.
Medical experts note that quick weight loss may cause nutritional deficiencies and fatigue, potentially contributing to fainting episodes.
After regaining consciousness and resting, HyunA apologized to her fans, known as "A-ings," via Instagram:
"I'm truly, truly sorry..."
The incident also sparked a discussion about the demanding beauty standards and pressures faced by artists within the K-pop industry.
Many fans and observers called for greater awareness of artists’ health and well-being beyond their public appearances.
Author’s summary: HyunA’s onstage collapse at a Macau festival highlights serious health risks linked to rapid weight loss and intense pressures in the K-pop world.