A Legendary Korean Singer Announces His Battle With Cancer — Celebrities Show Their Love And Support

Legendary Korean singer Yoon Do Hyun shocked the public when he revealed news about his current condition.

Yoon Do Hyun | Newsis

Yoon Do Hyun is a rock and folk rock singer who debuted as a soloist in 1994 and as a member of the popular Yoon Do Hyun Band (DB) in 1996. In 2002, the band gained a lot of attention for singing a victory song called “Oh! Pilseung Korea” (which means “Oh! Victory Korea”) for the World Cup.

Your browser does not support video.YD performs “Oh! Victory Korea.” | KBS KPOP Classic/YouTube 

On August 10, Yoon Do Hyun posted a picture of himself in a hospital gown and mask with a lengthy caption. He started by saying he mustered up the courage to announce this news and revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer in 2021.

I remember the summer of 2021 when rehearsals for the musical Gwanghwamun Sonata had just begun. After a health check, I heard the word ‘cancer.’ The exact name of the disease is gastric MALT lymphoma, a type of lymphoma.

— Yoon Do Hyun

Although initially surprised, he accepted reality and diligently underwent treatment for two years.

I was very surprised. Really really surprised… But I accepted it, pulled myself together, and made up my mind to get treatment diligently. I did two weeks of medication treatment… but failed.. (even though I was very diligent). So, we decided on radiation therapy, and for about a month, I went to the hospital every morning for treatments that were difficult. This process went on from 2021 to a few days ago in the summer of 2023.

— Yoon Do Hyun

| @ybrocks/Instagram

Yoon Do Hyun decided not to reveal his cancer diagnosis because he didn’t want to add more worry to his fans. He revealed that he only told his parents not too long ago. However, he decided to share the news because he discovered the cancer cells were gone.

Two days ago, after about three years of battling(?), I finally received confirmation that the cancer cells were gone.

— Yoon Do Hyun

Yoon Do Hyun admitted that the past three years were long and uncertain, but he believed that a negative mindset is more dangerous than cancer cells and encouraged everyone to overcome negativity.

From my experience, I realized that a negative mindset is even more dangerous than cancer cells. With a positive heart, I share this with the hope that you can overcome all negativity… To all of you, please don’t choose fear and isolation. Simply strive each day to heal and regain your health.

— Yoon Do Hyun

| @ybrocks/Instagram

In response to the difficulties the singer has gone through and the good news, fellow celebrities commented on the post with their love and support.

Former Produce 101 Season 2 contestant and Wanna One member Kim Jaehwan left a message for his senior.

Kim Jaehwan | @jaehwan0527/Instagram

Hyung, good job on your hard work

— Kim Jaehwan

Ahn Ji Young of BOL4 also wrote a message of support.

Ahn Ji Young | @hey_miss_true/Instagram

Sunbae (senior), I respect you very much.. Congratulations on your full recovery!

— Ahn Ji Young

Popular solo artist Younha showed her congratulations as well.

Younha | @younha_holic/Instagram

Hooray!!! Congratulations on your full recovery!!

— Younha

In other, countless other actors, singers, comedians, and entertainers showed their love for Yoon Do Hyun, showing his influence in the music and entertainment industry.

| @ybrocks/Instagram

• Comedian Yoo Se Yoon: “I respect you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for being healthy.”
• Comedian Ro Hong Chul: “Hyung!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
• Comedian Haha: “Hyung!!! You did a fantastic job!!! What a relief”
• Singer Yoon Jong Shin: “Great job, Do Hyun!!”
• Rapper Tiger JK: “Hyung!!”
• Comedian Jeong Jun Ha: “Oh my… What a huge relief… It must have been so difficult!!! There will only be good days from now!!! Be strong”
• Trot singer Song Gain: “Good job on all your hard work ㅠㅠ Hwaiting!!”
• Entertainer Gary: “Hyung, amazing job! Congratulations on your recovery and be more, more, more healthy~~!”
• Singer Baek Ji Young: “Oppaㅜㅜ I will pray starting today ㅜㅜ Good job. All I can say is that you’re amazing ㅜㅠ Bless you!!!!”
• Singer Kim Bum Soo: “Hyung, you are true rock and roll!????”

Read Yoon Do Hyun’s full post here.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 윤도현 (@ybrocks)

Although a typhoon is coming, I hope everyone remains safe. I have something to say, so I mustered up the courage on this ambitious night to share my thoughts.

I remember the summer of 2021 when rehearsals for the musical Gwanghwamun Sonata had just begun. After a health check, I heard the word ‘cancer.’ The exact name of the disease is gastric MALT lymphoma, a type of lymphoma. 

I was very surprised. Really really surprised… But I accepted it, pulled myself together, and made up my mind to get treatment diligently. I did two weeks of medication treatment… but failed.. (even though I was very diligent). So, we decided on radiation therapy, and for about a month, I went to the hospital every morning for treatments that were difficult. This process went on from 2021 to a few days ago in the summer of 2023.

The moment I heard the word ‘cancer,’ everything turned dark. I decided not to reveal this to the world. I’m worried that everyone will worry too much, and fans might be shocked. I told my parents not too long ago.

However, there’s a reason I’m sharing this now.

Two days ago, after about three years of battling(?), I finally received confirmation that the cancer cells were gone.

For the first time, I seriously pondered the concept of life and death. I was engulfed in numerous thoughts, cried alone, forced a smile even when my body was weak due to radiation therapy, and persevered through my schedules. I learned many valuable lessons during this time. 

From my experience, I realized that a negative mindset is even more dangerous than cancer cells. With a positive heart, I share this with the hope that you can overcome all negativity.

The past three years felt long and monotonous for me. I didn’t know when it would finally disappear, and it was uncertain if it even would disappear in the first place. To all of you, please don’t choose fear and isolation. Simply strive each day to heal and regain your health.

Please promise me you won’t get defeated!

I took this photo on my first day of radiation therapy, hoping to post it as good news if I were to recover and share hope with everybody. I’m really grateful that I can now share it. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who prayed for me and provided treatment.

Please don’t lose hope!!!

— Yoon Do Hyun