At the final stop of his JJ20 Final Lap world tour in Beijing’s National Stadium, Singaporean singer JJ Lin paused mid-performance for a moment that surprised yet deeply moved fans. The 44-year-old Mandopop icon, known for his smooth vocals and emotional ballads, revealed that he has been quietly living with a heart condition since April 2024.
He shared: “In April 2024, I was diagnosed with a heart problem. I have to rely on medication every day.”
“But I told myself that even if my heartbeat becomes irregular, I will continue to work hard.”
Fans later noted that Lin appeared to be in visible discomfort during the concert — at times clutching his stomach — and had been spotted wearing what looked like a heart rate monitor at previous stops on the tour.
Following the revelation, netizens began piecing together signs. During Sunday’s concert, Lin was seen clutching his stomach in discomfort. On Weibo, fans pointed out that Lin had been consistently spotted wearing a device on his right wrist during past concerts and rehearsals, which looked like a heart rate monitor.
What Does It Mean to Have an Irregular Heartbeat?
Though it was not confirmed, Lin’s mention of an “irregular heartbeat” and his use of monitoring devices offer a glimpse into a category of conditions that often fly under the radar: heart rhythm disorders, or arrhythmias.
A heart arrhythmia happens when the electrical signals that control the heartbeat misfire. In a healthy heart, these signals keep the rhythm steady and predictable. But in arrhythmia, this system goes off-track, making the heart beat too fast, too slow, or with an inconsistent rhythm.
One of the most common forms of irregular heartbeat is atrial fibrillation (AFib). Atrial fibrillation occurs when the heart’s upper chambers (atria) beat out of sync with the lower chambers. Instead of a steady rhythm, the heart quivers or flutters erratically. With a heartbeat that is disorganised and inefficient, the heart’s ability to pump blood properly is affected.
More Than a Passing Fluctuation
For some, AFib causes no obvious symptoms. But others may experience warning signs such as:
- A fast or pounding heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Light-headedness or dizziness
People often dismiss mild palpitations or a fluttering sensation in the chest as stress or overexertion. However, atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of complications including stroke, heart failure, and blood clots, which can be serious and even life-threatening.
Managing Atrial Fibrillation
Management is often lifelong and includes a combination of:
Rate or rhythm control medication to stabilise heartbeat
Blood thinners to reduce stroke risk
Wearable monitors or implanted devices to track heart activity
- Cardioversion to reset the heart’s activity – this can be done via electrical or drug means
In selected cases, catheter ablation, a minimally invasive procedure to isolate faulty electrical signals in the heart
Lifestyle changes, such as reduced alcohol intake, better sleep, weight control, and exercise, also play a key role in preventing or treating conditions that can lead to atrial fibrillation.
“This Stage Is Not Just Mine”
Despite the health scare, JJ Lin chose not to cancel or postpone his shows. Instead, he used the stage to share something raw and honest.
Close to tears, he told the crowd: “I believe that with mine and the team’s hard work, we will present everything to make all of your hard work and money spent to be here, worth it.”
In response to his revelation, his management company JFJ Productions assured fans that JJ is undergoing regular medical checkups and plans to take a longer break after completing his tour.
