In the late 1990s, Kim Hyuk Gun and Lee Si Ha met at a contemporary music academy in 1999, where they formed the band The Cross, marking the beginning of their musical journey as an indie group. Their talent quickly gained recognition when they won the Grand Prize in the Rock Solo category at the '2001 M.net Music Festival,' leading to their official debut in 2003.
The title track of their first album 'Melody Quus's “Don’t Cry,” became a sensation, renowned for Kim Hyuk Gun’s powerful high notes. The song became an anthem among male fans, often compared to lim jae bum’s “Confession,” and solidified Kim’s reputation as one of the strongest vocalists of his generation. Follow-up tracks such as “For You” and “The Dwarf” further cemented The Cross’s cult following.
Although the band did not achieve massive commercial success, their popularity on college festival stages and dominance on illegal P2P download charts demonstrated their widespread appeal. In today’s terms, this would be equivalent to topping digital music rankings.
However, internal conflicts and differing musical visions led Kim Hyuk Gun to leave the group and pursue a solo career. Lee Si Ha continued The Cross with new vocalist Kim Kyung Hyun. By 2009, after Kim Kyung Hyun’s contract ended, the original duo reconciled and began preparing for a reunion album.
Tragically, disaster struck on March 26, 2012. Just after completing recording sessions, Kim was involved in a severe traffic accident when a vehicle made an illegal left turn and collided with his motorcycle. The crash caused a dislocated cervical spine and a severed nerve, resulting in complete paralysis from the shoulders down.
Doctors told Kim his chances of recovery were nonexistent. Yet, refusing to give up, he began a grueling rehabilitation journey, battling immense physical and emotional pain. Against all odds, Kim survived and eventually returned to music. He now relies on a wheelchair and a respiratory support device that enables him to sing again.
During an appearance on Kim Tae Won’s YouTube channel kimtaewonclasss on October 21, 2024, Kim candidly shared his ongoing struggles. He said, “The damaged spine will never heal, so functional recovery is impossible. I will live the rest of my life paralyzed. My body keeps weakening due to complications affecting my bladder, lungs, and muscles.”
He admitted there were moments when he wanted to die, especially when he thought he could never sing again. “Because my body lost strength, I couldn’t reach high notes anymore,” he said. “But when I sing now, I feel alive.” Despite the pain and bleeding caused by his abdominal tube device each time he uses his respiratory aid, Kim continues to perform with unyielding passion.
In February 2024, Kim appeared on the Christian TV program 'I’m Happy Every Day' on CTS YouTube, where he shared a message of hope. He said, “I am grateful just to feel the sunlight. There were times I wanted to die, but enduring those moments brought me happiness again. To anyone struggling, please don’t give up. Better days will come. I endured it, and so can you.”
His story has deeply moved fans across Korea and beyond. Comments flooded social media expressing support, saying, “I wondered why he disappeared. I had no idea what he went through. Stay strong,” “I am going through something similar, and his words give me strength,” and “He overcame it all and sings again. I hope to see him often.”
Kim Hyuk Gun’s resilience stands as a testament to the enduring power of music and the unbreakable spirit of an artist who refuses to be silenced.
SEE ALSO: Comedian Jung Se Hyup passes away at 41
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