Lee Hong-ki reveals he has battled a rare disease for 20 years, saying, "I have had a complex about my butt since I was little... I've had surgery 8 times."
Lee Hong-ki's confession about the rare disease he has suffered from for over 20 years drew sympathy from viewers.
During the SBS variety show 'My Little Old Boy' (hereafter 'Miwoo-sae') that aired on the 15th, Lee Hong-ki's visit to the hospital was broadcast. When he entered the hospital room, the atmosphere became heavy, and the MCs showed concern, asking, 'What happened?'
The attending physician greeted Lee Hong-ki familiarly, asking, 'Have you come back again?' Lee Hong-ki revealed the reason for his visit, saying, 'I've been feeling something recently.' In particular, he said, 'I came to get checked because I'm feeling something similar to before in my armpit. I also want to have my butt checked,' raising curiosity.
The disease Lee Hong-ki has is 'hidradenitis suppurativa.' It is a rare chronic disease characterized by recurrent abscesses in sweat gland areas, such as the buttocks and armpits. Repeated surgeries are required, and as wounds and scars remain, patients experience physical and mental pain.
Lee Hong-ki stated, 'I have suffered for nearly 20 years due to frequent abscesses. I have had surgery about 8 times in total, with 3 times with my attending doctor,' candidly sharing the painful times he endured. He continued, 'When I had surgery as a child, the scars remained, and I couldn't go to bathhouses,' confessing the complex he developed because of the scars on his butt, evoking further sympathy.
He also noted, 'There are many festivals and stage activities coming up. I came to check for any potential issues,' revealing his ongoing self-management and concerns about his health.
Although Lee Hong-ki has continued his broadcasting activities with a smiling face, the long fight in the unseen places is still ongoing. The 20-year struggle hidden behind the unfamiliar name of a rare disease serves as a reminder to many of the importance of health.
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