Beloved Girl Group Member Sparks Health Concerns Again After Painful-Looking University Festival Performance

KARA performed at Sogang University’s festival on September 18, 2026 (KST), taking the stage for five songs, including “Pretty Girl,” “Honey,” “Lupin,” “Step,” and “Mister.” But as fancams and clips from the performance began circulating online, attention quickly turned to member Han Seungyeon’s condition.

The idol, who is currently receiving treatment for a cervical disc problem, appeared to keep her neck unusually stiff throughout the performance and seemed unable to move as freely as the other members. During some of the choreography, her movements also appeared more restrained and awkward than usual, while cameras captured moments where she looked visibly strained. Fans also noticed that Seungyeon’s face and body appeared somewhat swollen.

The original Korean report raised the possibility that the swelling could be related to side effects from medication she is currently taking, though this has not been confirmed by Seungyeon or her representatives. The concern comes only weeks after Seungyeon previously sparked health speculation after visiting a birthday café prepared by fans.

At the time, she was filmed repeatedly trembling in her hands while appearing tense, leading viewers to question whether something was wrong. Her representatives later addressed the concern, explaining that her hand tremors were connected to worsening symptoms from her cervical disc condition. “Her cervical disc symptoms have recently worsened, which caused the trembling in her hands,” her side told XportsNews at the time. They added, “She is currently receiving treatment, and there are no other health issues.”

However, seeing Seungyeon continue performing demanding choreography despite the condition has reignited concern among fans.

Seeing Han Seungyeon barely move her body with that blank expression, she must really be in a lot of pain. People who remember how hard she used to go during KARA’s early days… She’s seriously in a condition where she can’t do any of that now, but she’s still gritting her teeth and performing. She really can’t turn her neck to the side or bend it forward at all LOL. She keeps her waist and neck completely fixed and is basically only moving her arms…

— @saintstephane4934/YouTube

Despite the worried reactions, Seungyeon herself appeared upbeat after the festival. She later posted several selfies from Sogang University on her personal account, joking, “Noona is here, Sogang University.”

Seungyeon has not announced any break from activities, but with a neck condition that was previously severe enough to cause visible hand tremors, her latest performance has only intensified calls from fans hoping she gets enough time to recover.