Crohn’s disease, CRPS and more: Celebrities speak out about rare conditions, inspire support

From left, Yoon Jong-shin, Lee Hong-gi, and Shin Dong-wook / Xportsnews

Celebrities in Korea have recently opened up about their struggles with rare diseases, prompting a wave of support from the public.

Singer Yoon Jong-shin shared on social media that he had a recurrence of Crohn’s disease symptoms. “It’s been a while since the Crohn’s pain returned. Crohn's always returns like this. You came into my life more than 30 years ago, and I learned your name 20 years ago," he said.

"Now you feel like a friend — a nasty one,” he added, alluding to the long and painful journey he has endured.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is known for being difficult to treat. In a 2012 TV broadcast, Yoon revealed that he had unknowingly lived with the disease for years, during which he drank and smoked. “Eventually, my small intestine became so narrow that I had to have 60 centimeters removed,” he said.

Yoon is among other celebrities who have gone public with their health conditions. F.T. Island’s Lee Hong-gi recently appeared on the SBS show “My Little Old Boy,” where he revealed that he has been battling hidradenitis suppurativa, a disease that causes recurring lesions on the skin. Lee said he has suffered from the illness for nearly 20 years and has undergone eight surgeries so far.

Actor Shin Dong-wook also previously shared his experience living with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a rare and chronic disorder that affects about one in 600,000 people. The condition involves sudden pain, swelling and changes in skin texture and temperature. Shin was diagnosed with CRPS during his mandatory military service in 2010 and was medically discharged in July 2011. He has since spoken about the condition on several broadcasts, receiving widespread sympathy.

Despite their health challenges, many stars continue their careers in the entertainment industry, earning public admiration. Fans say the openness of these public figures not only garners support but also helps raise awareness and understanding about rare illnesses. Their testimonies are seen as a source of strength for others fighting similar battles.

This article from Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.