
Singer Kim Bum-soo Reveals Battle with Vocal Cord Disorder: 'Losing My Voice Feels Like Losing a Part of Myself'
South Korean singer Kim Bum-soo has bravely revealed his ongoing struggle with a vocal cord disorder, sharing the profound impact it has had on his life and career.
In a YouTube video posted on the channel ‘Wiracle’ on the 14th, titled ‘The Shocking Condition of Kim Bum-soo Revealed for the First Time,’ the beloved vocalist opened up about his health.
Kim Bum-soo, who was celebrating the channel’s milestone of 1 million subscribers, expressed his admiration for host Park Wi, calling him a role model whose influence has significantly changed his life.
During their conversation, Park Wi recalled a past event where Kim Bum-soo had to cancel his appearance. Kim Bum-soo explained, “Something happened, and it’s still ongoing. This is the first time I’m talking about it on this channel, but I didn’t want to hide it. I even felt like I was contacted specifically to talk about this.”
He disclosed, “I’m currently experiencing problems with my vocalization. I’ve developed a vocal cord disorder, compounded by what we typically call ‘aging.’ I’m going through a confusing phase.”
Detailing the issue, Kim Bum-soo elaborated, “My songs don’t typically hit extremely high notes, but they often involve transitioning through specific vocal registers – the bridge between low and high tones. This specific range is where my vocal cords are faltering. The sound isn’t coming out properly in that section.”
He continued, “This is not a simple problem, as my songs frequently require leaps within this very range. Singing has become very unstable and uncomfortable for me. While I can speak and live normally, as a singer, I’m unable to produce sound in this crucial area.” This has led to performance anxiety and trauma, prompting him to take a break from performing while undergoing vocal rehabilitation training and mind control therapy.
Regarding his recovery, Kim Bum-soo expressed cautious optimism. “It’s a matter of misaligned muscle coordination. If the vocal cords themselves were torn or swollen, recovery might be difficult. However, in my case, the function is still alive, but external factors are interfering. It could happen tomorrow, or it could take a long time, but I’m working hard with the belief that it’s possible,” he stated.
He poignantly added, “Singing is like faith to me, it’s my flesh and bone, my DNA, my very life. When this part of me felt like it was being stripped away, it was like losing a piece of my own body. I’m experiencing that right now.” His heartfelt confession resonated deeply with viewers, eliciting sympathy and support.
Fans have flooded social media with messages of support for Kim Bum-soo. Comments include: "Wishing you a speedy recovery, Kim Bum-soo! We believe you'll be back stronger.", "It's heartbreaking to hear about your condition. Your voice is so precious.", and "Please prioritize your health above all else. We'll be waiting for your return."