'Running Man' youngest member Ji Ye-eun returned after about three weeks, but because her condition was still not fully recovered she ultimately went to the hospital during the recording. Fans' joy is accompanied by growing concern.
#. returned after three weeks… but a 'rusty' voice from the first greeting
On the SBS entertainment show 'Running Man' aired on the 2nd, Ji Ye-eun returned with a noticeably brighter expression. But from her first words a noticeably husky, strained voice emerged, which alarmed both the members and viewers. Thankful for all the support, Ji Ye-eun choked up, and Choi Daniel worried, saying the voice had not fully returned, while Ji Ye-eun instead said, "The vocal cords stick better if I speak," showing her characteristic spiritedness.
Kim Jong-kook said, "I apologized to Ye-eun. What looked like a double chin was not fat but the thyroid," mentioning her now noticeably sharper jawline and wishing her a healthy recovery.
#. reason for activity pause, was it ultimately 'hypothyroidism'?
Ji Ye-eun temporarily paused activities last month due to worsening health. Afterwards, a media outlet raised suspicions of hypothyroidism, but her agency drew a line, saying, "Because it is personal medical information, it is difficult to confirm." However, viewers' speculation has continued based on Ji Ye-eun's hoarse voice, swelling and decreased stamina shown on the broadcast, asking, "Was the actual cause hypothyroidism?"
And on the day of her return Ji Ye-eun became emotional, saying, "It is moving to be back after three weeks," and frankly admitted, "My hormones are fluctuating." Members worried, saying, "Speak less" and "Don't overdo it," but Ji Ye-eun reassured them by saying, "I have to speak a lot for the vocal cords to stick."
To celebrate Ji Ye-eun's return, the production team proposed a "eating-quest return mission" in which the members fetch all the foods she wanted, which brought laughter.
#. but health worsened… "her face is swollen"
The problem came afterwards. On the broadcast on the 30th her condition appeared worse. On the 30th's episode of 'Running Man' Ji Ye-eun appeared with a swollen face, prompting viewers' concern.
Eventually Ji Ye-eun disappeared during the recording, and Yoo Jae-suk personally explained, "Ye-eun went to the hospital for a short time and will come back. She is still recovering and also has cold symptoms and body ache. She is not 100% recovered. Filming has been back-to-back so it seems hard on her."
Ji Ye-eun reportedly received treatment at the hospital and then rejoined the recording.
Having paused activities for a while and still experiencing continued hoarseness, swelling and fatigue after her return, Ji Ye-eun's condition does not appear to have reached full recovery. Viewers have sent messages of support and concern, saying, "Health comes first," "Please take it slow," "Really worried about her voice," and "Seeing the facial swelling, her condition seems very poor."
Signs of health problems hidden behind her bright smile. Some say it may take a little more time before Ji Ye-eun fully recovers and returns looking energetic.
[Photo] OSEN DB, broadcast screen
[OSEN]