Cha Hyun-seung returns to Waterbomb stage after leukemia recovery

Actor and dancer Cha Hyun-seung delivered a moving moment by returning to the Waterbomb stage alongside Sunmi after being declared fully recovered from leukemia.

On the 26th, Waterbomb's official SNS released footage of the 'Waterbomb Seoul 2026' performance held at the KINTEX Outdoor Global Stage in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, with the caption: "This is it! We met again! Let's enjoy the high-definition footage of the Waterbomb Sunmi X Cha Hyun-seung stage together."

The video captures Sunmi performing her hit song "24 Hours Is Not Enough" while Cha performs alongside her as a dancer. The duo showcased flawless chemistry and a powerful performance, drawing intense cheers from the crowd.

This stage held profound significance as it marked Cha's first major performance since receiving a clean bill of health following his battle with leukemia.

Cha had personally shared his diagnosis via SNS last September.

At the time, he confessed to the suddenness of the diagnosis, stating, "Everything stopped when I was rushed to the emergency room in early June." He also shared the heartbreaking news that while he had been preparing to transition into acting and had even passed a final audition, his appearance was canceled due to his medical condition.

Since then, he has maintained communication with fans by sharing his treatment process through his personal YouTube channel, eventually sharing the joyful news that he was declared fully recovered in December of the same year.

Reflecting on his recovery, he expressed his overwhelming emotions: "The battle with illness that felt like it would never end has finally come to a close. From the moment the symptoms first appeared until today's diagnosis, fear was always with me. I feel like I've received a Christmas present."

A former dancer, Cha first rose to prominence in 2018 after generating explosive buzz during a Waterbomb performance with Sunmi. He later expanded his profile through appearances in the Netflix variety show "Single's Inferno" Season 1, "Be Ambitious," and "Physical: 100," and was expanding his career into acting just before his illness.

Having regained his health, Cha's reunion with Sunmi on stage signaled a successful comeback and a new beginning, marked by a brilliant performance and an even more commanding presence.