Uhm Jung Hwa returns in ‘Doctor Cha’ after thyroid cancer surgery

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers. Proceed with caution if you have not watched the show/movie.

Uhm Jung Hwa, the renowned actress and singer, recently shared a harrowing ordeal she faced when she lost her voice after undergoing surgery for thyroid cancer. Despite this setback, she made an impressive return through her role in the drama series 'Doctor Cha,' which aired on tvN's popular show, You Quiz on the Block.

The talented actress has been basking in the limelight due to her exceptional performance in 'Doctor Cha.' Overwhelmed by the overwhelming support from fans, Uhm Jung Hwa expressed her gratitude, stating, "I can't believe this is happening to me. I am thankful for all the love the drama has received." Comparing the reaction to the fervor surrounding her hit singles, 'Invitation' and 'Poison,' she added, "It feels like it's been 20 years since I received this much love. On the premiere day, I was too nervous to watch the episode. Fortunately, the show was well-received, which brought immense relief and joy. I was so moved that I ended up crying for 30 minutes off-camera on set."

Uhm Jung Hwa made her debut as a singer in 1993 with her lead single, "Pupil." Reflecting on her journey, she revealed, "At the beginning, I was unsure about the image I should portray as a singer. However, thanks to the success of my debut single, I have come this far." Since then, she has garnered acclaim as a dance singer and achieved chart-topping success with hits like "Rose of Betrayal," "Poison," "Festival," "Invitation," and "I Don't Know."

Despite her musical triumphs, Uhm Jung Hwa was eager to explore the film industry. Recounting her struggles, she said, "Although my songs received immense love, I didn't receive any film offers because I was predominantly known as a singer, not an actress. That's when I was presented with the opportunity to join the movie 'Marriage is a Crazy Thing.' Despite being an R-rated film, I was determined to take on the challenge." Uhm Jung Hwa's outstanding performance in the film earned her the prestigious Best Actress award at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

The actress also opened up about her battle with thyroid cancer. She recalled, "After releasing my mini-album 'Disco,' I underwent surgery for thyroid cancer. However, I lost my voice for eight months. I was afraid that I would have to abandon my dreams. It was a truly terrifying experience. Additionally, during my time promoting as part of Refund Sisters, my voice posed additional challenges. Yoo Jae Suk, a dear colleague, generously covered the cost of my vocal lessons and provided unwavering support. His encouragement gave me the courage and strength to persevere."

Although she has made a remarkable recovery, Uhm Jung Hwa admits that her voice still occasionally trembles and cracks. Some netizens have pointed out this aspect in the comment section. Addressing these concerns, she shared, "Whenever a new scene is filmed, I have to clear my throat. Initially, I considered it a weakness and attempted to conceal it from others. However, the more I tried to hide it, the smaller I felt. I am not ill, and I simply want my fans to understand that this is just how my voice is. In fact, I have grown fond of it."

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