Monsta X Shownu Will Not Join the Group Mini-Album Promotion due to Eye Condition

The Kpop boy group Monsta X is releasing a mini-album on June 1. However, they will continue the promotions as five members. One of Monsta X members, Shownu, is going to take a temporary hiatus due to his eye condition.

Table of Contents

Monsta X Shownu is Taking Hiatus due to Eye Condition

Agency statement on Shownu hiatus

Starship Entertainment has made an official statement related to Shownu eye condition. They announced through their Twitter account that Monsta X will continue their mini-album promotions as five members.

This is Starship Entertainment
We would like to announce MONSTA X SHOWNU’s current health condition and his participation in future promotion plans.
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. The 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.
Recently, SHOWNU felt discomfort in the eye due to excessive exposure to strong lighting while preparing for MONSTA X’s upcoming album. He immediately visited the hospital for an examination and received appropriate medical treatment. The result showed that the discomfort was caused by sub-retinal fluid and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) as a complication of retinal detachment, and SHOWNU was advised to take time off for a considerable amount of rest to avoid a relapse and further deterioration.
First and foremost, Starship Entertainment places a priority on our artists’ health. After careful discussion with all members of MONSTA X including SHOWNU himself, we concluded that SHOWNY will take a hiatus, not participating in the upcoming 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.
We sincerely extend our apologies for suddenly breaking the news to our fans who always support and love MONSTA X.
Thank you.

What’s wrong with Shownu eye condition?

As mentioned in the statement, in July last year, Shownu was diagnosed with Left Retinal Detachment (Amotio Retinae). 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.”

Although the surgery last year was successful, as said by the agency, Shownu felt discomfort recently, “The result showed that the discomfort was caused by sub-retinal fluid and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).”

PVR, according to the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), “is a condition in which retinal scar tissue or 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.’”

ASRS also mentioned, “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.”

How Monbebes react

Thank you for the proper “English” notice.. The health of Shownu is way more important than any activity. I hope Shownu our precious leader knows that we will wait for his return.. I LOVE YOU PLEASE TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF 💛@OfficialMonstaX @official__wonho pic.twitter.com/2G5XnBY40J
— Tuba ~ 몬스타엑스 💞 MX7 (@Tuba_MX7_WH) May 3, 2021

To our best leader shownu, I hope that you’ll get a good rest and you’ll recover soon. Please take your time because we are always willing to wait for you. Take care of your health always and we love you so much 💗🐻#셔누 #SHOWNU #MONSTAX #몬스타엑스 @OfficialMonstaX
— monsta x : one of a kind 🍑 (@slaveofmonstax_) May 3, 2021

Please take care of yourself 셔누. Your health is more important. Monbebe will always love & support you. We will wait for you. There is only one SHOWNU. You are so precious & loved by so many. 💜

셔누 사랑해요 ❤️🐻❤️🐻 pic.twitter.com/YQfR3eoN7V
— 몬베베 누나 🐻 (@nurse___patty) May 3, 2021

We wish Shownu speedy recovery!