Singer Kim Heung-guk, 67, revealed his shaved head Thursday, announcing he had become a promotional model for a hair-loss treatment for the first time in his life.
Kim posted a photo of himself without his trademark hat, saying he had "suffered emotionally for a long time because of hair loss." Though he had long worn hats to conceal the condition, his hair loss had advanced to the point where almost none remained.
"When I debuted in the early 1980s, I had a really full head of hair — thick enough to go well with my mustache," he said. "After 'Horangnabi' became a big hit and my broadcast schedule became relentless, my hair started falling out little by little."
"I lived as a 'goose father' for a time and went through various social controversies, and the stress was considerable," he said. "My hair fell out a lot because of it. Eventually it felt like almost all of it was gone."
"Now that I've even become a model for a hair-loss treatment, I want to be a source of hope for people dealing with hair loss across the country," Kim said.
Kim debuted in 1985 with his first album's lead track "Tteonagan Naenim" and went on to win wide popularity with songs including "Horangnabi," "59-nyeon Wangsimni," "Jeong-a" and "Heundeul Heundeul." Long known for his conservative views, he continued political activities — including attending rallies in support of former President Yoon Suk Yeol after Yoon declared emergency martial law — and drew criticism under the nickname "Insurrection Butterfly." Last year, he announced he was stepping back from all political activity to "return to my main work."
paq@heraldcorp.com
