Jang Geun-suk Reflects on Thyroid Cancer Battle and Reveals Ownership of Building in Shibuya

In a recent episode of MBC's talk show Radio Star (라디오스타), Jang Geun-suk (장근석) opened up about his battle with thyroid cancer and shared that he owns a building in Shibuya, Japan, as a third-generation Hallyu star. During the special episode titled 'World Class, Only I Can See It~' aired on July 16, 2025, Jang Geun-suk, along with Lee Hong-ki (이홍기), Subin (수빈), and Kim Shin-young (김신영), discussed various topics.

Jang Geun-suk expressed his surprise at visiting MBC for the first time, noting the grandeur of the building and its facilities. He shared that he had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer last year, which was detected early when it was still small. He mentioned that he regularly undergoes health check-ups but faced delays in surgery due to a medical crisis, resulting in a ten-month wait.

He revealed that he kept his illness a secret, even from his parents, believing that discussing his pain would be burdensome for others who had not experienced similar struggles. Fortunately, he is now fully recovered and feels healthier than ever, expressing a desire to engage more with the public and share his experiences.

When asked about the lineage of popularity in Japan, Jang Geun-suk categorized stars into generations, naming Yoo Jae-suk (유재석) and Kim Yeon-ja (김연자) as first-generation stars, and Bae Yong-joon (배용준) and Lee Byung-hun (이병헌) as second-generation. He identified himself, along with groups like KARA (카라), FT Island (FT아일랜드), Park Shin-hye (박신혜), and TVXQ (동방신기), as part of the third generation. He humorously noted that the current era features a 'warring states period' of talent, mentioning BTS (방탄소년단) and actors Park Seo-joon (박서준) and Park Bo-gum (박보검) as part of the fifth generation.

In a light-hearted moment, Kim Shin-young pointed out that women often take photos in front of Jang Geun-suk's building in Shibuya, which appears small but is quite substantial. When asked about the tenants, she mentioned there is a café, surprising Jang Geun-suk, who confirmed its location behind a department store. The conversation ended with a humorous remark about the favorable exchange rate of the yen at the time.