KCM Sings Through Vocal Nodules on Live Radio: 'I Have Three Kids, I Can't Rest'

Veteran singer KCM powered through a live radio performance on October 27 despite suffering from vocal nodules, telling listeners he cannot afford to rest because he has three children to support.

According to MHN Sports, KCM appeared on MBC FM4U’s ‘Junghee’ on October 27 alongside project team The Vocal members Ko Yoo-jin and The One. During the third part’s opening, he performed ‘Dawn Road’ live, visibly struggling through the song’s high notes.

After finishing the song, KCM apologized to listeners. “I look like a carrot on screen. I’m so sorry,” he said, bowing his head. Special DJ Sunny reassured him: “You are a luxury vocalist. Would one mistake crack your reputation?” She likened singing with vocal nodules to an athlete playing with stretched ligaments, and thanked him for singing anyway.

The One also voiced concern, noting that KCM’s throat has been damaged since early this year and yet he still sang well. “Shouldn’t you rest at times like this?” The One asked. KCM replied, “I have three kids, so I can’t rest.”

The One also praised the home cooking of KCM’s wife, calling it the most delicious food he ate this year. KCM answered with a video letter to his wife: “Thanks to you, I feel strength in my shoulders. Thank you once again. I will do well.”

KCM had spoken about his vocal condition before. On the October 10 broadcast of KBS2’s ‘Immortal Songs,’ he said vocal nodules and atrophy had left him unable to sing, and that he agonized for a week over appearing.

Vocal nodules have followed KCM for much of his career. In November 2009, during promotions for his fifth album, he collapsed during a rehearsal for a Busan concert due to vocal nodules and stress from overwork. He canceled his year-end concerts and broadcast schedules, spent the New Year in hospital, and returned about a month later on KBS2’s ‘Music Bank’ in January 2010.

KCM and his wife Bang Yewon welcomed their first daughter in 2012 and registered their marriage in 2021 after delays caused by his military service and a failed business. They have since welcomed a second daughter and a son, and finally held their wedding ceremony on October 4.

As of the broadcast, no announcement has been made about treatment or time off, and KCM gave no indication that he plans to step back from performing.