한 Kim Hyuk Gun

Kim Hyuk Gun (김혁건) is a South Korean Male Soloist and Idol who debuted solo in 2007. He started in group The Cross.

In March 2012, he was struck head-on by a car that ran a red light while he was returning home on his motorcycle. The serious accident left him immediately paralyzed from the neck down, rendering him tetraplegic. He spent a month in a coma, during which he recalls being partially conscious, and due to communication issues, it took his manager two months to locate him in the hospital.
Throughout his rehabilitation, his Cross partner remained steadfastly by his side, promising they would sing together again despite his loss of two-thirds of his breathing capacity, a consequence of his inability to control his diaphragm.
During a routine examination, his doctor was helping him cough when they discovered that applying pressure to his stomach helped him produce a strong exhale, which could potentially aid in his ability to sing. Recognizing this opportunity, he collaborated with Professor Bang Bangboon from Seoul National University's Robotic Convergence Research Center to develop a device to assist with abdominal breathing. Initially manual and requiring assistance, the device underwent numerous iterations and enhancements, culminating in the integration of sensors that allow him to control it via a joystick operated by movements of his neck. With this innovation, he regained control of his diaphragm.
Now known as the 'Exo-Abs', the device is discreet enough to be worn under clothing, enabling him to fully regain his singing abilities. In December 2013, he announced his comeback and performed live in October 2014.
By 2020, thanks to advancements in AI-enabled versions of the Exo-Abs, he was able to expand his vocal range to three octaves and perform his old songs with renewed vigor, an event that he described as being able to finally sing after 17 years.
Despite the potential physical toll of prolonged use of the Exo-Abs, he remains undeterred, emphasizing that singing is synonymous with living for him.
Kim Hyuk Gun is widely revered as a symbol of human perseverance.