Female Singer Reclaims Stage After 7 Years in Hiding Following Subway Assault: “I Lost My Twenties to Fear”
A female singer has moved the nation with her harrowing story of survival and resilience, returning to the stage after seven years in hiding following a brutal subway assault that shattered her facial bones and silenced her voice for over a month.
Appearing on the April 16 episode of AM Plaza on KBS 1TV, the segment Challenge: Dream Stage introduced a performer known as Phantom Queen, who bravely opened up about the trauma that forced her to disappear from the public eye during the prime of her youth.
“When I was 23, I was listening to music with my earphones on the subway and didn’t notice a man behaving erratically nearby,” she shared. “Suddenly, he attacked me without warning.” The stranger viciously struck her face and body with a ringed fist before fleeing, but was later subdued by other passengers.
The aftermath was devastating. Phantom Queen underwent major facial reconstruction surgery and couldn’t speak for over a month due to the severity of her injuries. However, it was the psychological toll that lingered even longer.
“I was overwhelmed with anger, fear, and a sense of injustice,” she said. For five years, she remained shut indoors, paralyzed by trauma. Even after venturing out with the help of her family, the presence of strangers, especially men, caused her body to tremble uncontrollably. This led her to retreat again for another two years.
Now in her 30s, Phantom Queen is finally reclaiming her identity and passion through music. “These days, I can walk freely and even ride the subway again,” she said with a hopeful smile. “It was my mother’s words that gave me the strength to sing again. I want to share warmth through my music.”
Her story has resonated deeply with viewers, sparking messages of support and admiration online. As Phantom Queen takes the stage once more, her journey stands as a powerful testament to healing, courage, and the unwavering will to begin again.
