Lee Hong-ki, the vocalist of the group FT Island, revealed that he has been suffering from a rare disease called hidradenitis suppurativa for nearly 20 years, which brought about feelings of sympathy.
On the 15th, Lee Hong-ki visited the hospital for tests ahead of an upcoming performance during the SBS variety show "My Ugly Duckling" (hereafter "Miwoo Sae").
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic rare disease that causes repeated pus accumulation in sweat gland areas such as the buttocks and armpits. It causes pain and discomfort in daily life due to surgeries and scarring.
On that day, Lee Hong-ki explained the reason for his hospital visit, saying, "There are many festivals these days and stage activities planned, so I came here just in case."
He shared, "I've had several flare-ups, and it's been nearly 20 years since I started suffering from boils. I've had surgery three times with my current doctor, and if you count other hospitals, it's more than eight times," adding, "Surgeries leave scars, and I can't go to the bathhouse often. It has been a big complex for me."
He also revealed that in the past, he had to insert a tube after removing a boil the size of a palm, saying, "It hurt even when lying down, and sitting was difficult."
Lee Hong-ki expressed the difficulties he faced during his school years. He recalled, "This disease started in middle school. I couldn't sit properly during class, and I was sitting on the edge with a bandage, but once during class, a boil burst, and my school uniform got soaked. I ended up leaving school early."
According to the hospital's examination results, the area around his buttocks was well managed, but there were slight traces found in the armpit area. The attending physician explained, "As men reach their 40s, the secretion of male hormones decreases, which may reduce the occurrence of boils."
A lifestyle assessment was also conducted. The specialist pointed out that a diet centered around greasy delivery food, electronic cigarettes, and alcohol could worsen the condition and advised reducing these habits. At the end of the broadcast, Lee Hong-ki was seen cleaning his messy home, starting to organize small aspects of his daily life.
