Seo Jang-hoon Offers Heartfelt Advice to 51-Year-Old Woman Battling Rare Cancer

KBS Joy's 'Ask Us Anything' is embarking on a new segment, 'Going Out to Ask Us Anything,' starting its journey in Busan on November 10th.

This special feature aims to travel across South Korea, listening to diverse stories and experiences from local residents.

The Busan episode, airing today (10th) at 8:30 PM, will feature a 51-year-old individual diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, who shares her concerns stemming from differing opinions with her family.

The guest, who was diagnosed with Stage 1 Uterine Sarcoma around 2020, recalled, "The surgery went well then, and I lived without recurrence for three years, but I was informed of a relapse last September." Despite undergoing two rounds of chemotherapy, the cancer has metastasized to her abdomen, leaving limited treatment options and making surgery impossible.

"The only remaining option is to continue chemotherapy to slow the progression," the doctor reportedly stated, estimating a life expectancy of about six months.

The guest calmly shared, "I decided further treatment was meaningless and stopped chemotherapy in January this year," adding, "I can walk, but strenuous activity is difficult." Raising two children alone, she found disagreement with her family over post-death arrangements, specifically regarding a columbarium.

"I don't want to be confined in a columbarium, nor do I want to burden my children, who are still students, financially," she explained. "I want to have my ashes scattered at sea, which is common these days."

Seo Jang-hoon responded empathetically, "Speaking from the perspective of a child who has lost their mother, if you are scattered at sea, where should the children go? You must also consider those left behind," he advised gently.

Lee Soo-geun added, "I hope you don't say such things. Isn't the word 'miracle' used because it happens somewhere? Isn't the best thing to make many good memories with your children, just as you are smiling now?"

The guest revealed, "Although the cancer in my abdomen has grown larger since I stopped chemotherapy, I am still trying not to lose hope." While the doctor estimated the abdominal metastasis to be about 20cm, she stated, "The cancer has grown, but my physical condition has improved. I've lost about 15kg, and people who don't know me say I look healthier."

Adding to her hardships, the guest was also a victim of voice phishing. "In the year of my relapse, I lost 40 million won to voice phishing, and it caused immense stress," she confessed. "However, I was able to repay the money I borrowed from acquaintances with the diagnostic expenses incurred due to the recurrence, which strangely brought me peace of mind."

Seo Jang-hoon expressed his anger, exclaiming, "What kind of terrible person would target someone already weakened with voice phishing?"

Towards the end of the broadcast, the guest addressed her family with tears in her eyes, "I'm sorry I couldn't take better care of you, Mom. I will try my best to be by your side for longer. I'm also always sorry to my sister, let's go on many trips together. Thank you."

Lee Soo-geun offered words of encouragement, "Make many good memories that you can cherish together. I hope you always smile."

Other stories featured in this episode include a Russian daughter-in-law wanting to get closer to her in-laws who speak with strong regional accents, and an individual whose life seems to be unsuccessful no matter what they try.

Netizens expressed support for the guest, commenting things like 'I applaud the guest's courage,' 'Seo Jang-hoon and Lee Soo-geun's warm advice is comforting,' and 'I hope you spend much happy time with your family.'