Dancer-turned-actor Cha Hyun Seung made an emotional return to the WATERBOMB stage after overcoming leukemia, reuniting with Sunmi in a performance that quickly became one of the festival’s most talked-about moments.

Cha Hyun Seung Sunmi reunite

WATERBOMB’s official social media channels shared high-quality footage of the pair’s performance, writing, “This is it! They’re reunited! Enjoy Sunmi x Cha Hyun Seung’s WATERBOMB stage in high definition!” The performance took place on July 26 at the outdoor Global Stage at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.

The released performance video captured Sunmi performing her hit song “24 Hours” while Cha Hyun Seung once again joined her as a dancer. The reunion carried special meaning for fans, as it marked Cha Hyun Seung’s first performance as a dancer since recovering from leukemia.

Fans flooded the comments section with messages of support, including:

  • It’s so great to see him back.
  • He’s back!
  • Congratulations on your comeback, Hyun Seung. You look amazing.

The heartfelt reactions reflected how meaningful the performance was for longtime fans who had followed his health journey.

In September 2025, Cha Hyun Seung shocked fans by revealing that he had been diagnosed with leukemia. Through social media, he shared that everything changed after he was rushed to the emergency room in early June. He also revealed that he had successfully passed the final audition for an acting project, only to lose the opportunity after receiving his leukemia diagnosis. His candid update drew widespread support from fans and fellow entertainers.

Throughout his treatment, Cha Hyun Seung documented parts of his recovery on his personal YouTube channel. In December 2025, he announced that he had fully recovered. At the time, he shared: “The treatment that felt like it would never end has finally come to an end. From the moment my symptoms first appeared until just before receiving this result, fear was always with me. I never expected to know when it would end, so this feels like receiving a Christmas gift.” His announcement was met with an outpouring of congratulations from fans.

cha hyun seung leukemia update

Cha Hyun Seung first gained widespread recognition after performing alongside Sunmi at WATERBOMB 2018, where their chemistry became a viral sensation. He later expanded his career by appearing on reality and variety programs, including: Single’s Inferno Season 1 and everal entertainment programs and web series.

Shortly before his leukemia diagnosis, he also announced his transition into acting. His acting credits include: Seduce My Husband, Judgment, A Meaningful Return to the Stage.

Cha Hyun Seung’s return to WATERBOMB represents more than just another performance—it marks a personal milestone after overcoming one of the biggest challenges of his life.

Reuniting with Sunmi on the same festival stage where he first captured public attention made the comeback even more meaningful, with fans celebrating both his recovery and his return to performing.

Sources: isplus