K-Star Forced to Halt Activities: Togeworl's Do Dae-yoon Reveals Severe Bipolar Disorder, Was Once Forcibly Hospitalized by Mother

Do Dae-yoon, a member of the Korean duo Togeworl, recently opened up in a rare interview about why he suddenly left the stage at the peak of their career. He revealed that he was suffering from severe bipolar disorder at the time, and even publicly stated in 2024 that his mother had him admitted to a psychiatric hospital against his will when he was experiencing severe mental health difficulties.

Togeworl Returns as a Full Duo After 13 Years

Do Dae-yoon appeared alongside Kim Ye-rim on the July 17 broadcast of KBS2's 'Happy Together: Happy Because We’re Not Alone,' marking Togeworl's first return as a complete duo in 13 years. Their appearance immediately surprised Yoon Jong-shin, who served as a judge on Mnet's 'Superstar K3' back then.

Yoon Jong-shin recalled that when Togeworl participated in 'Superstar K3' in 2011, they were a team he personally selected during the New York preliminaries, and he described them as his favorite duo in the competition. Togeworl ultimately placed 3rd, successfully entering the entertainment industry.

Activities Suddenly Halted Less Than a Year After Joining Agency

However, less than a year after Togeworl joined Mystic Entertainment, their joint activities abruptly ceased because Do Dae-yoon suddenly returned to the United States. He explained on the show that he was suffering from severe bipolar disorder at the time.

Do Dae-yoon confessed, "The reason I had to rest for such a long time was because I was severely struggling with bipolar disorder. I had no choice but to take a long break."

Kim Ye-rim also recalled that after 'Superstar K3,' their schedule was incredibly packed, filled with daily performances, concerts, and promotional activities. However, they were still high school students at the time and weren't prepared for the sudden fame and immense workload. She later began to notice changes in Do Dae-yoon's behavior and emotional state.

Do Dae-yoon stated that he was under immense pressure but lacked the courage and didn't know how to confide in anyone about his internal struggles. Still in his youth, he could only suppress the stress, until the situation became increasingly severe. Ultimately, he decided that returning to the United States was his only option.

Left the Entertainment Industry to Work in the US, But Never Forgot Togeworl

After leaving Korea, Do Dae-yoon tried to build a completely different life outside of entertainment. He believed music might not be his only path, so he worked various jobs in the US, including in a jewelry warehouse, quality control, office work, and as a bartender. He was also reported to have worked as singer Jang Beom-jun's manager until last year.

Even after more than 10 years away, Do Dae-yoon admitted he never completely forgot Togeworl. He later mustered the courage to return to Korea, proactively contacted Kim Ye-rim, and asked if she would be willing to perform with him again.

Re-singing 'Fox,' Putting Apology and a Fresh Start Onto the Stage

The duo re-performed 'Fox,' a song they had performed together during 'Superstar K3.' For Do Dae-yoon, this performance was particularly emotional, as he had carried a sense of guilt throughout their years apart.

Director Jang Hang-jun observed that Do Dae-yoon seemed to use this stage to express his apology to Kim Ye-rim and his desire for a fresh start with her. Kim Ye-rim also confessed that performing with Do Dae-yoon again reminded her how naturally their voices complemented each other. Even though she had collaborated with many artists during her solo activities, this reunion made her realize how well Do Dae-yoon's voice had supported hers.

Do Dae-yoon described the experience as almost surreal, with emotions flooding him that were hard to explain. He also directly thanked Kim Ye-rim: "I am very grateful to Ye-rim. It must not have been easy for her to promote alone while I was in the US. I'm sorry, she really worked hard."

From severe bipolar disorder and forced hospitalization to leaving the stage under pressure, this comeback after more than 10 years is not just Togeworl's long-awaited reunion, but also seems to be a new beginning for Do Dae-yoon, as he reclaims the music he once set aside.