Rapper KK Paralyzed Following Diving Accident in Thailand

 

On March 22, 2019, K-Rapper, KK (KEIKEI), became paralyzed following a diving accident in a Thailand resort swimming pool. In an Instagram post, KK posted that he broke his neck in two places. Following the accident, it was revealed that KK may be paralyzed even though doctors do remain hopeful there is a possibility for rehabilitation.

KK, whose real name is Kim Kyu Wan, had two surgeries at Chiang Mai Hospital following the accident. While at the hospital, he also contracted pneumonia, which caused an inability to travel abroad.

On April 4, KK, via his wife, posted on Instagram that he and his wife needed financial assistance so he could return to Korea for treatment. In his message, he relayed that medical costs in Thailand were too high. He wrote:

Brother, if today is the last, then please write it like this later. ‘It wasn’t bad.’

Hello. This is KK. I am borrowing my loving wife’s hands to leave this message.

Not long ago, while I was diving in a swimming pool at the place I was staying, I went through a severe accident when I broke the fifth and sixth bones in my neck. Currently, my entire body is paralyzed. I am at the ICU in a hospital in Chiang Mai and living and feeling every day is a battle. Thankfully, the first response was adequate, and the two emergency surgeries went well. They say that there is a possibility for rehabilitation.

When I was young and my ear was inflamed and began to fester, I only thought that I wanted to die. My condition is much more severe now. However, I now feel only as though I must overcome this to repay the many people who worried for me and helped me. Every time there was a crisis, I beat it thinking, ‘This too shall pass,’ but this crisis is a bit hard.

I am very sorry towards those who heard the news and worried a lot. Currently, the only thing I can do is improve the condition of my lungs so that I can ride an airplane. Right now, I only wish to return to Korea quickly to continue treatment.

As I watch my wife who stays by my side 24 hours a day in an unfamiliar environment where she cannot even communicate, a corner of my heart becomes crushed. Before being hospitalized, I told my wife, ‘Let’s beat this while smiling.’ Afterwards, I have never cried because it hurt or because it was hard.

However, in this place where the medical fees are so expensive, my family and I are powerless. 10 days of hospitalization, surgeries, and medicine have already easily surpassed 60 million won (approximately $52,800). Immediately after returning to Korea, I have to receive treatment and apparently the transportation cost to Korea is 10 million won (approximately $8,800) alone.

Feeling like I have to do something, I shamelessly uploaded this. This will be my first and last request for help. I ask for a little bit of strength from you all, like gathering for an energy blast. I will return to Korea as soon as possible and will appear in front of you all after becoming a better person. I am sorry. And thank you.

Fortunately, on April 5, KK and his wife were able to return to Korea. Thai doctors stated his pneumonia cleared up enough to allow for travel according to Sports Kyunghyang.

KK, who is also known as the “Beethoven of Hip-Hop,” appeared on Mnet’s hip-hop competition show Show Me the Money 6 in 2017. Unfortunately, the rapper is no stranger to adversity as he lost part of his hearing when he was six-years-old due to an infection, but it hasn’t stopped the rapper, producer, and filmmaker from working toward his goals.

We hope KK recovers from his injury and that he can be rehabbed.

 

 

——Olivia Murray