Lee Hong-ki Reveals Struggle with Rare Disease on 'My Little Old Boy'
Singer and actor Lee Hong-ki has shocked fans by revealing his battle with a painful rare condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa. On the June 15 episode of SBS's My Little Old Boy (미운 우리 새끼), Lee was seen visiting a hospital, prompting concern from the cast. He greeted his doctor with familiarity, who inquired, "Is it flaring up again?" Lee explained that he felt something was off recently and wanted to get his armpits and buttocks checked.
It turns out that Lee has been suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa for nearly 20 years, a chronic inflammatory disease that causes painful lumps in sweat gland areas like the armpits and buttocks, significantly affecting daily life. The specialist elaborated that the condition starts with one or two lumps (stage 1) and can escalate to larger, painful abscesses (stage 2) that may connect underground, making it difficult to lift arms or spread the armpits.
Lee revealed that he had a large abscess on his buttocks that became infected, requiring surgery to insert a drainage tube. He shared, "The pain was so severe that I couldn't even get up; lying down or sitting was difficult." He first experienced symptoms in middle school, recalling a time when an abscess burst during class, soaking his uniform and forcing him to leave early. At that time, he didn't realize it was a medical issue and treated it at home, while his mother mistook it for simple acne.
Lee's mother recounted how, during hot weather, he would develop lumps from his buttocks to his anus, which would burst and soak his clothes, necessitating multiple changes of underwear.
As he prepares for a busy season of festivals and performances, Lee visited the hospital to prevent any potential flare-ups, expressing concern that his symptoms might return despite his diligent management. He disclosed that he has undergone three surgeries with this doctor and a total of eight surgeries overall, emphasizing the importance of ongoing care. Viewers have responded to Lee's courageous revelation with messages of support, acknowledging the strength it takes to endure such a condition for two decades and wishing him a full recovery.
