Eric Nam: Yes, Vulnerability is a Superpower (Even For Pop Stars)

How can vulnerability and openness help us through our darkest times and find our truest selves?   

For Eric Nam, a voice loved by millions around the world, this was not an easy question to answer. In his rise to K-pop stardom he wrestled with mental health, experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression and ‘otherness.’ And he’s seen fellow stars succumb to mental health issues. But instead of hiding his difficulties, Eric found a way through them, by finding safe ways to be vulnerable on and off stage and challenging accepted ideas of success and manhood.  And he’s gone further by creating platform for other global stars to share their honest stories and help fans with their mental health.  

And stay tuned to hear Eric and Dr. Murthy reveal their new boyband name!  

We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. 

(05:25)    Becoming a K-pop star 

(09:51)    How did Eric have the courage to ask himself if he was happy? 

(12:03)    Navigating family expectations around his career 

(17:20)    How do healing & vulnerability show up in Eric’s music? 

(22:18)    Is it harder to be vulnerable as a guy? 

(27:19)    Early career struggles impacting his mental health 

(34:26)    Handling fame 

(36:37)    Why making new friends can sometimes be hard? 

(38:33)    Helping others with mental health challenges 

(41:54)    What does Eric Nam love most about being Korean American? 

(44:50)    What are Eric Nam’s go-to tunes for relaxing? 

(45:56)    If Eric and the Surgeon General had a boy band, what would they call it? 

(53:31)    What gives Eric hope? 

Eric Nam, Singer & Entrepreneur 

Instagram: @ericnam 

Twitter: @ericnamofficial 

Facebook: @ericnamofficial 

About Eric Nam 

Eric Nam is a multi-faceted singer-songwriter, TV personality, actor, and entrepreneur. Named GQ Korea’s Man of the Year and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia, Eric is a household name and one of the most extensively touring Asian artists in the world. In 2019, with the help of his brothers, Eric co-founded DIVE Studios, a K-pop-focused media company with multiple award-winning podcasts. In 2021, the Nam brothers leveraged the success of DIVE Studios to create Mindset, a mental health and wellness platform with a library of authentic and intimate video and audio collections from world-renowned celebrities. Eric received a B.A. in International Studies with honors from Boston College.