K-pop superstars BTS member Suga has undergone surgery for his torn shoulder tissue and will be unable to join the group to promote their upcoming album “BE.”
In an announcement, Big Hit Entertainment said, “Suga underwent surgery to repair his torn shoulder labrum on November 3. The surgery, to address a problem that had constantly been a health and wellness issue for Suga, 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.”
“As many fans know, Suga has long suffered from shoulder-related health issues. Suga's shoulder issues began when he was injured in an accident that occured in 2012 before his debut, and he was diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder in 2013,” the agency said.
It added, “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.”
According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine website, “The shoulder labrum is a thick piece of tissue attached to the rim of the shoulder socket that helps keep the ball of the joint in place. The labrum can tear a few different ways: 1) completely off the bone, 2) within or along the edge of the labrum, or 3) where the bicep tendon attaches.”
Treatment of the “tears that are due to instability of the shoulder, either subluxation or dislocations, require that the labrum be reattached to the rim of the socket. This can be done with an incision on the front of the shoulder, or it can be done with arthroscopic techniques through smaller incisions.”
It said recovery can take “at least four to six weeks for the labrum to reattach itself to the rim of the bone, and probably another four to six weeks to get strong. Once the labrum has healed to the rim of the bone, it should see stress very gradually so that it can gather strength. It is important not to reinjure it while it is healing.”
According to Big Hit Entertainment, “Suga has 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.”
“Suga also 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. After extensive discussion with the company, the decision was made to undergo the surgical procedure,” it added.
After 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,” the agency said.
Sugar told fans that he is "very aware of how concerned and worried the fans must be, and knows how sad the fans must feel."
"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," Suga said.
“Big Hit will always strive to ensure the health and safety of all of our artists,” the agency said.