Explore the profound music of SUGA, also known as Agust D, which delves into themes of mental health, personal struggles, and the healing journey. His lyrics not only reflect his own experiences but also resonate deeply with listeners who share similar battles.
Before his debut with BTS, SUGA (Min Yoongi) encountered significant challenges that shaped his artistry and resilience. Growing up in Daegu, he nurtured a passion for music despite facing a lack of support from his family, who even discarded his musical notes. To pursue his dreams, SUGA worked part-time at a recording studio while composing and producing songs, often struggling to make ends meet.
His determination led him to audition for Big Hit Entertainment, which brought him to Seoul. However, life in the city proved difficult; he balanced trainee responsibilities with a delivery job to cover tuition and living expenses. Tragically, he suffered a serious shoulder injury in a traffic accident while delivering, which compounded the stress of not being able to debut. These hardships significantly impacted his mental health, leading to struggles with depression and anxiety that became integral to his narrative.
One of the most revealing windows into his struggles is the song “The Last” from his Agust D mixtape.
In this deeply personal track, SUGA lays bare his battle with mental illness, candidly addressing depression and social anxiety with lines like, “Around the age of 18, I developed social anxiety.” He reflects on the painful sacrifices he made for his career, poignantly stating, “I’ve exchanged my youth for success.” The haunting line “Min Yoongi is dead already (I killed him)” captures his struggle to reconcile his true self with the pressures of fame, while his admission, “The doctor asks me if I’ve [censored], but I just laugh,” speaks to the depth of his pain.
Despite its rawness, “The Last” is a song of survival and resilience, offering solace to fans who see their own struggles mirrored in his words. Through his honesty, SUGA not only heals himself but also inspires others to confront their challenges with courage and hope.
Another deeply introspective track from Agust D is "Amygdala," a song from his D-DAY album.
This raw and emotional piece delves into the darker corners of his mind, exploring trauma, resilience, and the mechanisms our brains use to protect us. The title refers to the amygdala, a part of the brain linked to fear and emotional responses.
In this song, SUGA revisits painful memories, such as his shoulder injury, the pain suffered of loved ones, and his ongoing struggles with mental health. The track's haunting production mirrors the turmoil he describes, while his lyrics confront these difficult emotions head-on, offering a cathartic and healing experience for listeners.
"Amygdala" demonstrates SUGA's ability to turn personal pain into art that resonates universally, inspiring fans to face their own struggles with courage.
“Snooze,” from Agust D’s D-DAY album, is a heartfelt ode to perseverance and self-compassion. Featuring Ryuichi Sakamoto and Woosung, the song blends soothing melodies with poignant lyrics that encourage listeners to take a moment to pause and recharge.
SUGA shares his empathy for those chasing dreams, reminding them that it’s okay to rest and take life at their own pace. With lines like "It’s okay to take a break if you’re tired," SUGA offers reassurance and hope, reflecting his own experiences of burnout and pressure. The gentle yet powerful message in "Snooze" has made it a source of comfort for fans, emphasizing the importance of self-care in the journey of life.
Agust D's song "The Last" was featured on Taiwan's National Education Radio program "花甲幸福曲" (Happiness at Sixty) in an episode dedicated to mental health.
The host emphasized how SUGA’s lyrics resonate profoundly, as he openly shares his personal struggles. Yoongi’s authentic music continues to touch and comfort listeners around the globe, and we couldn't be prouder of his impact.