The first of three episodes, part of an ongoing initiative to reach AAPI youth, is available now on the Mindset YouTube channel to stream globally for free
LOS ANGELES, August 16, 2023 – Today The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading national nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults, and Mindset, the self-care and wellness platform launched by K-Pop-focused media company DIVE Studios, unveil a new video series starring South Korean indie rock band The Rose.
The three-episode video series with The Rose—comprising members Woosung, Dojoon, Jaehyeong and Hajoon—is the second installment in the JED and Mindset content series, designed to normalize mental health support among fans through intimate, personal stories from top Korean artists. The first installment, fronted by K-Pop superstar WONWOO of SEVENTEEN, was released in May for Mental Health Awareness Month and tallied 120.42M impressions.
The first episode of The Rose’s three-part collection is available now to stream for free globally on Mindset’s YouTube page and is also accessible to Mindset users via the app. The second episode will be released on August 23, with the third and final episode following on August 30.
In these exclusive interviews, The Rose speak about overcoming loneliness, anxiety, and the pressures of perfection, offering friendly guidance that legions of fans around the world can apply to their daily self-care practices.
Through these candid conversations, the band hopes to promote the message of togetherness: that building strong relationships and bonds with others—like they have as bandmates—can help youth overcome and endure difficulties they may face.
The Rose said: “Being able to share our experiences and struggles throughout our journey was a healing process for us. We hope our sharing can help others as well.”
Brian Nam, CEO of DIVE Studios and Mindset, said: “The Rose’s openness about their struggles with anxiety, loneliness, and self-doubt is not only brave but also vital. Their insights serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that it’s okay to admit our imperfections, to make mistakes, and to lean on each other in times of need. This aligns deeply with our mission to facilitate open conversations about mental health and foster a sense of belonging within the AAPI community.”
Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, Chief Medical Officer at The Jed Foundation (JED), said: “K-Pop can be a source of connection, representation, and unfiltered joy for young people. It’s very impactful when major stars like The Rose discuss their mental health and let fans know that struggle is part of being human and so is asking for help. JED is proud to continue these candid conversations and collaborations that center AAPI voices and amplify culturally competent resources for K-pop fans.”
The episodes release as The Rose preps their forthcoming album, ‘DUAL’ and upcoming “DAWN TO DUSK” US and Canada tour, kicking off this October.
The JED and Mindset collaboration was built upon a mutual mission to spark conversations about mental health among their shared audiences—Gen Z, and BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth—particularly since those groups face compounded challenges that impact their emotional well-being. Research shows fandoms can be safe online spaces that are supportive of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth who feel disconnected and underrepresented.
According to a 2020 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) study, AAPIs have the lowest rate of seeking help of any racial or ethnic group. Research by the National Latino and Asian American Study found that only 8.6% of Asian Americans sought mental health services, compared to 19.2% of the general U.S. population. In many Asian communities, a stigma pervades around treating mental health issues, with many wary of being perceived negatively if they seek outside help.
Younger generations of AAPIs coping with today’s issues—from everyday microaggressions to anti-Asian violence—have found allies in Korean and K-Pop artists, who have opened up about their own struggles and how they deal with them.
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Google Drive
Credit: Courtesy of Mindset by DIVE Studios
About Mindset
Mindsetfrom the co-founders of DIVE Studios, Eric, Brian, and Eddie Nam—is a self-care and wellness platform for artists and celebrities to share their personal stories and life lessons directly with fans. Mindset’s collections (Mindset Collections) are based on incredibly personal and honest stories by some of the world’s leading artists. Artists co-produce and narrate their own Mindset Collections, which deliver unique, exclusive, and unfiltered stories from their lives, including candid conversations and interviews with friends, family, and those closest to them. The Mindset app is available for download on the Apple and Android app stores, with the introduction and first episodes of each Mindset Collection and all Booster episodes are available for free. DIVE Studios was founded in 2019, and launched Mindset in 2021. Both are headquartered in Los Angeles. Website / Instagram / TikTok / Twitter / App Store
About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.
Connect with JED! Email | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | Snapchat | Pinterest | TikTok
About The Rose
The Rose (더 로즈) is a Korean indie rock band comprised of four talented members: vocalist and guitarist Woosung, vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Dojoon, bassist Jaehyeong, and drummer Hajoon.
Renowned since their inception for electrifying performances, The Rose quickly became oneof Korea’s most sought-after groups delivering a series of critically acclaimed albums that resonated with fans worldwide. In 2019, three of the band members temporarily went on hiatus to fulfill their mandatory military service obligations, during which Woosung pursued a successful solo career, releasing captivating albums and embarking on sold-out world tours.
In a moment of sheer joy for their devoted fans, The Rose reunited during one of Woosung’s performances in South Korea in 2022. This reunion paved the way for their first full-length album, HEAL, which was inspired by the transformative power of music and the stories shared by both their fans and themselves. HEAL soared to #4 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart, while their accompanying HEAL Together World Tour drew an overwhelming crowd of over 90,000 attendees.
Now, with their highly anticipated second full-length album, DUAL, The Rose takes their music to new heights. Building upon the emotional honesty and vulnerability showcased in HEAL, this latest offering explores the profound concept of ‘balance.’ Seamlessly merging light and dark elements, The Rose masterfully weaves emotions and sounds, capturing the dualistic essence that defines their music.
Driven by an unwavering dedication to their fans and the unbreakable bond of their friendship, The Rose continues to push artistic boundaries, captivating audiences worldwide with their soul-stirring music and unforgettable performances.
Media contacts
Mindset: Daniel Rasmussen daniel.rasmussen@ledecompany.com,
Liz Heyman liz.heyman@ledecompany.com
JED: Justin Barbo justin@jedfoundation.org