Jaurim's vocalist Kim Yoon-ah opened up for the first time about her health problems and the deep crisis she experienced because of them, bringing fans to tears. From the once-mysterious condition at the hospital to moments when it was uncertain whether she could make music again, Kim Yoon-ah's heartfelt confession was delivered.
In March, Kim Yoon-ah revealed a photo of herself receiving IV treatment in the hospital with the short phrase "20240314 power bank day," prompting concern from fans. In fact, Kim Yoon-ah has a congenital immune disorder and receives regular monthly treatment. Last year Jaurim's side also said it was "unrelated to cranial nerve palsy and does not significantly interfere with activities," but health concerns continued.
In July last year, Kim Yoon-ah first confessed that she had been secretly battling cranial nerve palsy during a Sebasi talk. She said, "In 2011, after making Jaurim's eighth album, my immunity dropped so much that I developed cranial nerve palsy. As someone with a congenital immunodeficiency, I receive treatment every month. At that time, it affected smell, hearing, taste, pain and temperature sensation, the facial and upper body muscles, and even the vagus nerve." She said she still has aftereffects, adding, "I have a slight vocal disorder remaining, but I suppress it with force."
That experience shook her entire life. She said, "Since then I thought I never know when my life will end. So I thought every project I do now could be the last, and I poured everything into it."
Amid this, Kim Yoon-ah once again shared her feelings at the time. On Mar. 14 broadcast of KBS2 The Seasons–10cm's Ssamdamsdam, Jaurim opened the show with the legendary hit "Hey, Hey, Hey," befitting a band in its 29th year since debut. With the recent release of their 12th full-length album Life approaching, even greater attention was focused on them.
After the performance, in an interview Kim Yoon-ah once again mentioned the moment when she stood at a crossroads in life. She said, "Actually, my body didn't improve, and there was a time when I stood at a crossroads wondering whether I could continue music." She added, "I thought I didn't know when my life would end, and I felt this album could be the last. So I awakened to the idea that I must do everything I can and then die."
She pushed herself and poured her soul into making the album. Kim Yoon-ah said, "I thought I couldn't live like this, so I whipped myself, saying 'you can do well, give your maximum.' I tried to create a dense sound." In response, Kwon Jung-yeol said, "Most people after health problems move toward enjoying life, but Kim Yoon-ah focused more on music. That's why we were able to release a 12th album, I think," and expressed genuine admiration. Kim Yoon-ah smiled and said, "Thank you for saying that."
The deep density produced by a 29-year band and the desperation of "not knowing when it will be the last" combine in Jaurim's 12th album Life. Kim Yoon-ah's illness, recovery and dedication to music make this comeback hotter and more meaningful.
[photo] The Seasons, OSEN DB, SNS
[OSEN]