FT Island’s Lee Hongki has revealed that he has been suffering from a rare disease called purulent hidradenitis for nearly 20 years.

His story of silently enduring his illness despite multiple surgeries and restrictions in his daily life drew sympathy from viewers.

On SBS entertainment show ‘My Little Old Boy’ that aired on the 15th, Lee Hongki was shown visiting a hospital to check his health.He said, “Recently, I’ve felt a similar feeling in my armpit area as before,” and “I came to the hospital because I wanted to check my butt too.”

The disease that Lee Hong-ki suffers from is hidradenitis suppurativa, a rare disease that causes pus to form in sweat gland areas such as the buttocks and armpits.The repeated pus and inflammation causes great inconvenience in daily life, and in severe cases, the pus may burst or tunnels may form under the skin.

He confessed, “I suffered from boils since I was young and underwent surgery eight times,” and “I couldn’t even go to public bathhouses because of the surgical scars.” He recalled an experience when a boil burst during class in middle school and the buttocks of his uniform were soaked with pus and blood, and said, “At that time, I didn’t even think about going to the hospital, so I just left work early.”

According to the doctor, Hongki Lee had previously visited the hospital with a lump the size of his palm, and at the time, his condition was so serious that he had to have a drainage tube inserted immediately.In a recent examination, he was diagnosed with another lump in his armpit area and needed treatment.The doctor also advised, “Your condition may improve when you reach your 40s, when male hormones decrease.”

Hongki Lee is known to be paying more attention to his health as he prepares for various festivals and stage activities.He emphasized, “It is not a simple skin disease, but a disease that shakes up daily life itself,” and “It is important to catch it early.”

A lifestyle check was also conducted.Oily delivery food, electronic cigarettes, and alcohol-centered eating habits were pointed out as factors that worsen the disease, and the specialist strongly recommended that they be reduced.At the end of the broadcast, Lee Hong-ki was seen cleaning up his messy house and organizing small daily routines.When the cat urine stains on the sofa were not easily erased, he said, “I should just change the sofa,” and smiled bitterly.


Reporter Lee Su com jin sujinl22@donga

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.