Singer Park Jae-jung reveals vocal cord nodules, voice disorder sidelined him after hit song

Singer Park Jae-jung said he was left unable to perform properly after developing vocal cord nodules and a voice disorder following his hit song "Don't Say Goodbye."

Park is set to appear on the KBS2 variety program "Happy Together — Glad Not to Be Alone," airing Friday.

On the show, Park said he suffered vocal cord nodules and muscle tension dysphonia after promoting "Don't Say Goodbye."

Released in 2023, "Don't Say Goodbye" was Park's biggest hit and one of the most popular songs in the Korean pop scene that year. Known for his rich, deep baritone, Park attempted a stylistic shift with the song, delivering a vocal range spanning more than three octaves, and audiences were captivated by his powerful high notes. The song was widely considered the most demanding of all his tracks, placing considerable strain on his voice.

"It was during the promotion of a hit song I had waited 10 years for that I lost my ability to sing — that made the stage feel all the more precious," Park said.

He added that he has since recovered about 70 percent and is making music again with a fresh mindset.

Yoon Jong-shin, who discovered Park on the Mnet talent show "Superstar K5," offered his support for Park's comeback, saying, "I listened to the songs Jae-jung has written recently and they were really good. I got the feeling that he has now reached musical maturity."