Lee Soo-kyung Opens Up About Struggles with Mysterious Skin Condition on 'Solo Because'

On March 18, during an episode of the SBS Plus and E Channel variety show 'Solo Because' (솔로라서), actress Lee Soo-kyung (이수경) shared her past struggles with an unidentified skin condition that led her to consider retirement from her career.

The episode featured Lee engaging in therapy using edible aroma oils, which are said to help with hangovers. Comedian Shin Dong-yeob (신동엽) humorously remarked, "Everything is a hangover," eliciting laughter from the audience.

Lee revealed, "I studied for a year, but my skin condition became so severe that I couldn't work. It worsened daily, and I was shocked every time I looked in the mirror." She described her skin as being in such a bad state that makeup could not cover it, leading her to stop working altogether. She even shared photos showing the extent of the skin disease, which had spread across her entire body.

"My face looked like a teenager's with severe acne, and it happened in just a few days. There was no solution, and even the doctors couldn't determine the cause," she recalled, reflecting on the difficult time when she contemplated leaving the industry due to her condition. Lee expressed that it was a challenging period that also brought on depression and social anxiety, stating, "People I had seen just a week prior were shocked by my sudden change. I became so depressed that I had to change companies."

Having debuted at the age of 20 and actively participating in various projects, Lee admitted to taking a significant break. It turned out that she had a four-year hiatus from 2020 to 2024. "I thought I might have to change careers if my skin condition didn't improve. I would cry every time I faced someone, and I hated looking in the mirror for fear of what I would see," she shared, becoming emotional.

During her time away from the spotlight, Lee focused on studying various fields, obtaining certifications in aroma therapy, dog training, and family crafts. Miraculously, her skin began to recover, although she noted, "I don't really know why; even the doctors were puzzled. It took two years for my skin to slowly heal."

Looking back, Lee stated, "Now that it's over, I realize that this difficult time was necessary for me. I can finally talk about it calmly and feel grateful for that period." She concluded by emphasizing the importance of finding happiness in her heart, which she believes contributed to her recovery.