Kitty Junin McLaughlin in The Korean Black Eyes 

AS a founding member of one of South Korea’s best-loved bands, Kitty Junin McLaughlin toured the world and has performed on the same bill as famous pop stars such as Cliff Richard and Julio Iglesias.

The Korean Black Eyes drummer is back playing again, aged 75, after life-saving cancer surgery at the Royal Free.

She was filmed at the Hampstead hospital with her breast surgeon as part of a music documentary about the band, which is celebrated as a pioneer of enormously successful K-Pop.

Ms McLaughlin said: “The girls kept on meeting men and getting married, then not wanting to tour anymore, so we’d have to find replacements. But it really was an incredible time and we were treated as princesses by everyone.

“We toured 28 different countries including concerts throughout Africa, the Middle East and Europe. Our Swedish agents discovered ABBA as well as us.

“Unfortunately we didn’t become quite as well known.”

She said that when the band finally broke up she and the bass player were invited to join another band in the UK.

“That’s how I ended up making my home here and eventually meeting another musician who became my husband,” she said.

Kitty with Royal Free surgeon Fawzia Imtiaz-Crosbie

The breast cancer diagnosis was just the latest twist in her colourful life, said Ms McLaughlin, who added: “I’ve had 14 major operations in my life, including treatment for Ewing’s sarcoma and two artery bypasses.”

She praised her surgeon, Fawzia Imtiaz-Crosbie, “for her professionalism and how brilliant she is at explaining things to her patients”, and also her vascular surgeon Chung Lim “as he also saved my life a few years ago”.

“It really is a miracle that I’m still here and I can only express my huge appreciation for all those who have looked after me so well over the years. “Due to my health problems I’ve had to retire professionally but I still try and play the drums at home every day.

“The chemotherapy was causing nerve damage – numbing my fingers – but the team advised I didn’t need to continue, which I’m sure has helped prevent any further damage. I’m really grateful as I’m a painter as well as a drummer. Now I’m hoping I can get to South Korea for the official opening of the film which is entered into a few film festivals – it would be wonderful to see everyone again.”

Surgeon Ms Imtiaz-Crosbie said her whole team of doctors and nurses at the Royal Free deserved special praise, adding: “I’m really delighted that Kitty has recovered so well. She’s had some really gruelling treatment but Kitty has such a positive, sunny attitude, she’s just incredibly inspiring. It’s wonderful that Kitty can go back to doing what she loves – painting and drumming. She is a star!”