INTERVIEW INFINITE's Nam Woo-hyun returns after battling with rare cancer

Nam Woo-hyun, a member of K-pop boy band INFINITE / Courtesy of Blade Entertainment

By Pyo Kyung-min

• Published Nov 28, 2023 7:01 AM KST
• Updated Nov 28, 2023 4:16 PM KST

For Nam Woo-hyun of K-pop boy group INFINITE, his first solo studio album, "Whitree," holds a special place in his heart as it marks his first music offering following his recovery from cancer.

During a recent media interview at a cafe in southern Seoul's Gangnam District, the 32-year-old revealed that he underwent surgery in April after being diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

"GIST is an extremely rare form of cancer, which is known to affect only 10 out of 1 million people," said Nam, who debuted in 2010 as part of INFINITE, which rose to stardom with hits like "Be Mine" (2010) and "The Chaser (2012).

"In my case, the urgency of surgery was non-negotiable, so I quickly held my fan events and performances in January and February before undergoing surgery," he added.

The gravity of his illness exceeded his expectations, and Nam was almost unaware of the scale of the surgery until he faced its aftermath.

"I later realized that the scale was more extensive than I had thought," he recalled. "After the surgery, I had to refrain from drinking water for almost three weeks and got a 20-centimeter scar on my stomach. I even had to attach a blood bag."

However, his hospital experience wasn't solely a period of pain and despair, as he found solace and received encouragement from various people.

"In addition to the support from my parents, the elderly whom I encountered at the hospital offered tremendous encouragement to me," he said. "The nurses, in their caring manner, also inspired me to recover, release new music and pursue my passion as a singer."

Such an experience has transformed his perspective towards life, the singer noted.

"I feel as if I were reborn after the surgery," he said. "My thoughts have deepened and I've achieved musical maturity. My first album following my battle against cancer encapsulates much of this journey. For those who are facing hardships in their lives, I hope my music can serve as a source of courage, inspiring them to overcome challenges like I did."

In his current health condition, Nam cannot sing and dance like he did before. But he still opted for the swift release of the new album, knowing that his fans have been waiting for it. "Whitree," which will come out Tuesday afternoon, marks Nam's first full-length album in seven years since his solo debut in 2016.

"My doctor told me that I might not be able to regain my past singing ability," he revealed. "My musical journey has become four to five times more challenging as I currently suffer from breathing problems when I perform. While it may seem premature to resume my musical activities, I still made a swift comeback because I couldn't delay it any longer. I wanted to show my fans my improved state."

On top of the winter-themed lead single, "Baby Baby," the album also carries songs reflecting Nam's aspirations, such as "Love Myself," "California" and "I'll be alright."

Particularly noteworthy is his role in composing and writing five out of 11 tracks, showcasing his prowess as a singer-songwriter. Among them, Nam hopes his followers pay special attention to "I'll be alright."

"I wrote and composed the entire song," he explained. "It embodies my sincere emotions, expressing the challenges I met this year battling the disease and grappling with diminished self-esteem. When I contemplated quitting (my job), I penned this song with the hope of uplifting anyone who listens to it. I want them to receive a message of enduring hope, even in the face of hardships and sadness."