[Exclusive] ‘Unknown Legend’ Choi Woo-jin Opens Up About ER Visits and Breathing Crisis: “It Wasn’t a Mistake”

Following the second interview, the final moments of ‘Unknown Legend’ for singer Choi Woo-jin were a whirlwind of emotions. Having poured his heart and energy into every stage, the memory of his tears at the end lingers more than any rank or evaluation. The traces of those overwhelming emotions, as intense as the competition itself, have left a deep impression on him.

After wrapping up the MBN ‘Unknown Legend’ competition, Choi Woo-jin recently met with MHN to share honest stories, from behind-the-scenes moments to his raw emotions during the process.

Having appeared on numerous trot competitions like ‘Morning Yard – Challenge Dream Stage’, ‘Trot God 2 – Last Chance’, ‘Hello Trot’, ‘Mr. Trot 2’, and ‘Active King 2’, Choi Woo-jin was noted as a strong contender from the start of ‘Unknown Legend’. With his solid experience and stable skills, he consistently ranked high in online voting, drawing immense support and interest.

Starting with ‘Life’ (인생이더라), which was his first competition song and later officially released, Choi Woo-jin showcased his unique color and strong skills in both team missions and solo stages, establishing a powerful presence.

However, behind this success was hidden pain and pressure. During the preparation process, Choi Woo-jin suffered from the aftereffects of the flu combined with extreme stress-induced exhaustion, leading to an emergency room transport. Fans were heartbroken to learn he pushed through these hardships to finish the competition.

Recalling the situation, Choi Woo-jin described it as a time when “both my body and mind collapsed.” He noted that while the atmosphere and his condition were fine when he first entered the dormitory after the death match, his health plummeted the next day. Late-night meetings, practice, and lack of sleep led to body aches, which then spiraled into the flu, worsening his condition.

He confessed that despite his extensive experience in competitions, he had never felt his health deteriorate this much during a long-term process exceeding two months. Even with a few days of rest, he didn’t recover easily, but his sense of responsibility forced him to continue practicing while visiting the hospital. The pressure to deliver a perfect performance while his body failed only increased his stress, eventually pushing him to his limit.

“When I entered the dormitory after the death match, everything was great. But the next day, I started feeling chills. I felt so bad I wondered, ‘Why is this happening?’ I couldn’t sleep properly and spent late nights in meetings and preparations. I’ve done many competitions, but this was the first time my body collapsed like this during a process longer than two months. It turned out the flu was going around, and I caught it.”

“I didn’t get better even after resting for a few days, but I had to practice, so I went to the hospital, got injections, and pushed through. But when my body wouldn’t follow my singing or dancing practice, I got incredibly stressed. I’m someone with a strong desire to show a perfect stage, and this competition was such a great opportunity for me. I should have rested, but I kept practicing all night, taking medicine and eating healthy things to endure.”

“I thought I could hold on until the day before the recording, but I had a bad feeling when I went to sleep. Since recording started at dawn, I only slept for 2 to 3 hours and my condition kept worsening. I just kept telling myself, ‘Hold on,’ and tried to control my mindset.”

On the day of the recording, Choi Woo-jin fought to boost his condition. He took supplements and various health juices, but his body had already passed its limit. It became a battle between his failing health and his will to endure.

Since it was a team mission, he didn’t want to burden his teammates or give up on a stage the production team had worked so hard on. Not wanting to let go of this precious opportunity, he gritted his teeth and took the stage.

“I was consistently high in the text votes, so I couldn’t give up. At the time, many people around me were worried and asked if I should stop. The production team knew my condition was really bad and even suggested I consider stepping down, warning that continuing could further damage my health.”

“But I thought the opposite. I felt like, ‘Even if I die, I’ll die on stage.’ Looking back, it might have been reckless, but at the time, I wanted to finish this stage no matter what. I think I stepped onto the stage by constantly telling myself, ‘I can do it, I can endure.'”

However, an unexpected situation occurred. There was a moment during the performance where he couldn’t properly deliver a line. While some interpreted it as a mistake caused by pressure and tension, Choi Woo-jin clarified that it wasn’t an emotional issue.

“Suddenly, my side hurt terribly and my throat felt blocked, so my breathing just stopped. In that moment, I thought, ‘I can’t push myself in this state.’ So I lowered the microphone for a moment to catch my breath.”

“I don’t see it as a mistake. I thought it was more important to continue the stage, even if it meant leaving one line blank, rather than forcing a sound and collapsing. Ultimately, the song has to be delivered. So I briefly moved the mic, quickly organized my breathing, and tried to finish the performance.”

Given that his physical condition had deteriorated to the point of being rushed to the ER twice during practice, those around him were deeply concerned. In fact, immediately after the stage, Choi Woo-jin had to head to the hospital after asking the production team and other participants for their understanding, having exhausted all his energy.

Despite pushing through, he finished the competition without being named as an additional qualifier. Because he had fought so hard, the disappointment felt even greater.

“Honestly, I have a lot of regrets. There were songs I really wanted to perform if I had been given a solo stage after the team mission. It’s most disappointing that I couldn’t show those stages.”

“And what stays with me the most is my final appearance. I felt so sorry for showing tears in the end. I wanted to show a smiling face to the fans and the public who supported me, and I felt frustrated that I couldn’t. I keep wishing I had said my final goodbye with a bright smile.”

“So if I’m given another stage, I want to give smiles instead of tears. I believe I’ll be able to resolve that regret soon, and I think I’ll find peace on that stage.”

Choi Woo-jin also shared his thoughts on the term “lyric mistake” that followed the performance. Seeing the scene described as a “lyric mistake” in subtitles and articles left him feeling burdened and upset as a singer. Having stood on stage for a long time, he was worried this image might stick to him like a label.

“I really want to correct the part where it was called a ‘lyric mistake.’ I’ve been active for over 10 years and have truly never messed up my lyrics. For me, the idea that a ‘lyric mistake’ image could follow me is a huge blow.”

“I didn’t get the lyrics wrong at that moment. My breathing suddenly stopped due to my physical condition, and I made a split-second choice to keep the performance going. Of course, I believe the responsibility for that choice is mine. That’s why I’m more disappointed and have a strong desire to show it properly again.”

With that in mind, Choi Woo-jin plans to meet the public again through various broadcasts and stages, starting with his new song ‘Life’ (인생이더라). Rather than dwelling on regret, he intends to embrace this experience as a growth process and continue his activities with a stronger resolve. Furthermore, he is open to new music, stages, and even the possibility of challenging another competition program, increasing anticipation for his future steps.

“I want to greet you often with various activities this year. I plan to work hard on ‘Life’ and appear in many broadcasts. Although there were disappointing results in this competition, I’m so grateful for the greater support and love from the fans. I believe the only way to repay them is to visit often with great stages and songs. Please give me lots of interest and love.”

“I’m always grateful just for the opportunity to be on stage. I’m a singer who hungers for the stage, and the moments of singing and performing make me the happiest. I think that’s why I’ve continued to endure and stay active.”

“To be honest, I’m still contemplating another competition opportunity. Because the regret was so great, I have a desire to ‘show it properly once more,’ but on the other hand, I think it would be happy to continue my career as a singer, sharing the music I love with those who love me. I’m still thinking a lot about it. Please continue to support and show interest.”