Nam Woohyun from the K-pop group INFINITE revealed that he’s currently recovering after undergoing surgery for his cancer diagnosis.
In an interview with the Korea Times, the 32-year-old singer disclosed that he underwent surgery in April after being diagnosed with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a rare form of cancer affecting the digestive system. The idol shared that 10 in 1 million people are diagnosed with this disease.
This album is significant as it is his first solo release since overcoming his battle with cancer
Woohyun says he is happy he was able to participate in INFINITE's comeback earlier this year without any delays and is continuing to monitor his healthhttps://t.co/BO0CBCQ0oG
— 파룬 (@balloon_wanted) November 28, 2023
Moreover, the INFINITE members explained that the urgency of the surgery was non-negotiable. Which is why he swiftly organized fan events and performances in January and February to prepare for the surgery.
However, Woohyun recalled that he wasn’t aware how grave his condition was until after the procedure. “I later realized that the scale was more extensive than I had thought,” he said.
Reflecting on his condition, he mentioned the severity of the surgery, revealing a nearly three-week period without drinking water and a resulting 20-centimeter scar on his stomach, along with the necessity of attaching a blood bag.
During these obstacles, the singer shared that he was able to find comfort and encouragement from relatives and friends. Furthermore, the idol shared that this life-changing incident has changed his perspective as a person.
Woohyun on continuing idol activities
Despite this hardship, Woohyun made a swift comeback with the release of his 11-track album WHITREE on Tuesday, November 28. This marks his return as a soloist after a two-year hiatus since the 2021 EP With.
In this new album, the singer emphasized that it encapsulates his journey against cancer. “My thoughts have deepened and I’ve achieved musical maturity,” he said. Additionally, he also expressed hope that his music would serve as a source of courage for those facing hardships, encouraging them to overcome challenges, just as he did.
Despite the challenging recovery process, Woohyun candidly admitted that his doctor expressed concerns about the possibility of fully regaining his singing abilities. He acknowledged the current limitations on his performance.
Featured image: Woohyun poses for his concept photo for ‘WHITREE.’ Credit: Twitter/WOOHYUN
