Kang Daniel Photo:VCG

South Korean singer Kang Daniel posted a letter on forum website Theqoo on Tuesday night, in which he expressed his desperation and struggles. "I am indeed extremely tired. I wish somebody could help save me," the post read.

Konnect Entertainment, Kang's agency, announced on Wednesday morning that due to health problems the star would be suspending all music activities. The agency also noted that Kang has been diagnosed with depression and panic disorder.

Kang was once a member of temporary boy band Wanna One, which was formed on the South Korean idol survival show Produce 101 Season One and later disbanded in January. Since then Kang has been working on furthering his solo career. He established his own company, Konnect Entertainment, in June and released his first solo album Color on Me in July. However, later confirmation that he and South Korean singer Park Ji-hyo were in a romantic relationship cast a shadow over his career because many fans and netizens felt that idols should not fall in love.

When the news that Kang was diagnosed with depression spread on China's Twitter-like Sina Weibo, Chinese netizens' takes on it were polarized. 

In recent years, many stars in South Korea's fiercely competitive entertainment industry have been reported as suffering from depression, including three stars who were found dead at home. Some netizens wrote harsh comments under posts discussing Kang, saying that he was taking advantage of the disease by using it as a means to prevent netizens from being harsh toward him. The star's loyal fans criticized these indifferent attitudes and called on people to stop internet bullying. 

Many fans expressed their worry and shocks online. 

One fan wrote in a Chinese Kang Daniel forum, "I used to suffer from depression, but I am getting better because of Kang Daniel. But now he is a victim of the disease. My goodness, what shall I do?"