K-pop boy band Monsta X’s leader Shownu will take a break after he suffered complications from his eye surgery last year.

In a statement, Starship Entertainment, Monsta X’s agency, said, “In July 2020, Shownu was diagnosed with ‘Left Retinal Detachment (Amotio Retinae)’ and had to undergo emergency surgery following the official diagnosis from the specialist.”

According to the US National Eye Institute, “Retinal detachment is an eye problem that happens when your retina (a light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye) is pulled away from its normal position at the back of your eye.”

Its symptoms include “floaters,” or small dark spots or lines across your vision, flashes of light in one or both eyes, and dark shadow or “curtain” on the sides or in the middle of your field of vision, the institute said.

Starship said his “surgery was successful and ever since then, Shownu has been getting his eyes checked regularly to prevent a recurrence as the medical condition is not easy to cure completely.”

However, “recently, Shownu felt discomfort in the eye due to excessive exposure to strong lighting while preparing for Monstax X’s upcoming album. He immediately visited the hospital for an examination and received appropriate medical treatment.”

Starship added, “The result showed that the discomfort was caused by sub-retinal fluid and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) as a complication of the retinal detachment, and Shownu was advised to take time off for a considerable amount of rest to avoid a relapse and further deterioration.”

According to the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) website, “proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a condition in which retinal scar tissue, or ‘membranes’ form; this may occur with a retinal detachment. A key risk factor for developing PVR is a giant retinal tear—a large tear that involves at least 25% of the retina. When PVR or a giant retinal tear is present, a retinal detachment is classified as ‘complex.’”

“Many patients with PVR report symptoms of retinal traction (pulling), such as floaters or flashes of light. Accumulation of fluid underneath the retina results in a loss of peripheral (side) vision. When the detachment involves the center of the retina, called the macula, central vision loss will occur. Patients with chronic retinal detachment may also develop problems such as elevated pressure in the eye and inflammation,” it added.

It said, “PVR most commonly occurs after a previous (primary) retinal detachment repair surgery. PVR is the most common cause of primary retinal detachment surgery failure, occurring in approximately 5% to 10% of all retinal detachments.”

Starship said “after careful discussion with all members of Monsta X including Shownu himself, we concluded that Shownu will take a hiatus, not participating in the upcoming official promotional activities of Monsta X’s 9th mini album, ‘One of a Kind.’”

It said as a result of Shownu’s absence, “Monsta X will continue with the rest of the 5 members for official promotions for the time being. We kindly ask for your understanding as we plan to decide on Shownu’s future participation flexibly based on consultation with Shownu’s medical specialists. Currently, Shownu is taking a rest and Starship Entertainment will take best measures for his fast recovery.”