The world of K-pop is often perceived as a meticulously curated gallery of perfection, where idols are expected to embody grace, tireless energy, and an unblemished lifestyle. However, beneath the polished choreography and the dazzling stage lights, the human cost of maintaining such a high-octane career frequently remains hidden. That was, until a recent, jarringly honest confession from one of the industry’s most respected vocalists and “all-rounder” stars sent shockwaves through the fandom and the general public alike.

In a television landscape where celebrity images are guarded by a phalanx of managers and PR agents, I.O.I and Gugudan’s Kim Sejeong decided to peel back the curtain on a struggle that many young professionals face but few admit to: a reliance on alcohol that slowly began to corrode her professional capabilities. Her admission wasn’t just about a love for “happy hour”; it was a chilling look at the “compensation mentality” that can lead a superstar toward a functional decline.

The SBS Revelation: A Nightly Ritual Becomes a Danger

Appearing on the SBS program Uh, But Like, Seriously, which aired on the 4th, Kim Sejeong initially greeted the hosts with the bright, infectious smile that earned her the nickname “God Sejeong.” But as the conversation turned toward personal habits and the stresses of the industry, the tone shifted from lighthearted banter to a sobering reality. When asked point-blank about who among the guests enjoyed alcohol the most, Sejeong didn’t hesitate. She laughed, but the words that followed carried a heavy weight.

“I really like drinking,” she admitted, explaining that her habit had become a core part of her daily routine. Sejeong described a nightly ritual that began with a seemingly innocent reward system. After a grueling day of rehearsals, recordings, and filming, she would tell herself, “I worked hard today,” and reach for a drink. What started as two cans of beer—a standard way to decompress in South Korean culture—quickly spiraled. “But then one drink leads to another,” she confessed. “I definitely start with two beers, but then I feel it’s not enough and end up drinking whiskey.”

The veteran entertainer Lee Sang Min, one of the show’s hosts, noted that many people view drinking as their primary source of pleasure. Sejeong’s response, however, highlighted a more complex psychological trap. She described a “sense of compensation” that was so intense it overrode her physical exhaustion. No matter how physically demanding her practice sessions were, her brain demanded a “prize” for the suffering she endured during the day. This prize was always alcohol.

This cycle is not uncommon in high-pressure environments, but for an idol whose career is built on physical precision and mental sharpness, the stakes are exponentially higher. Sejeong revealed that this “reward” eventually became a debt she could no longer pay. As she prepared for her recent projects, the clash between her intense daily practice and her nightly drinking sessions reached a breaking point.

“My Brain Stopped Functioning”

Perhaps the most alarming part of Sejeong’s confession was her description of the cognitive decline she experienced. In the idol industry, “practice” is a holy ritual involving complex choreography and vocal control that requires peak neurological performance. Sejeong realized that her nightly whiskey sessions were sabotaging her future.

“I practice every day these days,” she told the viewers. “Drinking after every practice made my brain stop functioning properly. It really didn’t work out.” For an artist known for her intelligence and quick wit, admitting that her brain was “stopping” was a moment of profound vulnerability. She realized that her talent, the very thing she was trying to reward herself for, was being extinguished by the reward itself. This realization has led her to a difficult path: an active attempt to quit drinking entirely for the sake of her career and her health.

The “No Bathroom” Rule: A Comedy of Desperation

The episode wasn’t entirely somber, as Sejeong shared some of the more eccentric behaviors her love for alcohol inspired. She spoke about the rare and precious moments when she could drink and have honest conversations with her fellow members. Because these moments were so infrequent in their packed schedules, she became obsessively protective of the “vibe” of the gathering.

Lee Sang Min brought up a rumor that Sejeong liked drinking so much that she would refuse to go to the bathroom during a session, fearing the party would end if she stood up. Sejeong laughed and confirmed the story. She explained that she was terrified that if she left the table, the other members would take it as a signal to “wrap up” and go home. Her solution? A high-speed sprint. “I really want to go to the bathroom now, but can we not leave?” she would plead before bolting away. She joked that even though the bathroom was several meters away, she would be back in five seconds, determined to keep the alcohol and the honesty flowing.

The tension between Sejeong’s desire to quit and the social nature of the industry was highlighted when her fellow I.O.I member, Jeon Somi, made a playful mention of their activities the day before. “We had drinks yesterday,” Somi teased, leaving Sejeong visibly flustered.

Sejeong’s quick defense—”I just had one beer at home and went to bed”—elicited laughter from the set, but it also pointed to the reality of the struggle. Even when an idol makes a public declaration to change their habits, the social fabric of the entertainment world is often woven with late-night drinks and social gatherings, making sobriety a constant battle of willpower.

“Alcohol is Really Bad”

As the segment concluded, Sejeong turned to the cameras with a message that was half-joking and half-deadly serious. “Alcohol is really bad. Please put that in the subtitles,” she urged the production team.

This confession serves as a powerful reminder that the “perfect” lives of idols are often a struggle against the same vices and pressures that affect everyone else. By admitting that her brain was failing her and that her “compensation” was actually a toxin, Kim Sejeong has challenged the idol taboo regarding mental health and substance use. For fans, it is a moment to appreciate her honesty; for the industry, it is a warning that the “work hard, play hard” culture can easily break even the strongest of stars. As she moves forward with her “Lemonade” era and her upcoming world tours, Sejeong is proving that the ultimate reward isn’t found in a glass of whiskey, but in the clarity of mind required to stay at the top of her game.