Singer and actor Lee Hong-ki disclosed that he is battling a rare disease called "pus-producing apocrine gland inflammation," emphasizing the importance of management while also receiving criticism from a specialist about some lifestyle habits.
On the 15th, a segment aired on SBS's entertainment show "My Little Old Boy" showing Lee Hong-ki visiting a hospital for a health check-up.
That day, Lee Hong-ki revealed that he visited the hospital after feeling unusual symptoms around his buttocks, explaining, "I came just in case because there will be many festivals soon." Earlier, he had confessed to suffering from a rare disease known as "pus-producing apocrine gland inflammation." This is a chronic inflammatory disease where pus accumulates in sweat gland areas such as the buttocks and armpits, and Lee Hong-ki has been battling this disease for as long as 20 years.
The symptoms started when he was in middle school. Lee Hong-ki recalled, "At first, I thought it was just simple acne and applied a paste, but there were times when the boils burst during class, soaking my school uniform and causing me to leave early." He continued, "I have undergone eight surgeries so far, three of which were performed by the same specialist," adding, "Once, a boil was the size of my palm, and the pus was so severe that a tube had to be inserted." He further disclosed, "The pain was so intense that I couldn't stand up, lie down, or sit." This left everyone feeling sympathetic.
The specialist noted, "Early intervention is crucial for this condition," warning that if not managed properly, the boils could consolidate and spread like an underground tunnel, ultimately making it impossible to even lift the armpit. Lee Hong-ki emphasized the importance of early management, stating, "It must be caught early," and revealed, "I have been working on managing my immunity and suppressing sweating." However, his actual eating and lifestyle habits drew a frown from the specialist.
He mentioned that he often eats spicy delivery food, and regarding smoking, he said, "I quit traditional cigarettes and switched to electronic cigarettes," and about alcohol, he stated, "I mainly drink distilled spirits, not fermented ones," which left the specialist unable to hide his surprise. The doctor sharply remarked, "Such habits should be reduced."
Despite suffering from a rare disease, viewers admired Lee Hong-ki's courage as he continues his activities while concealing his pain, with comments saying, "It's so heartbreaking that he had to have a tube inserted," "I hope he takes better care of himself," and "I wish him good health in his activities."
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