Actress Lee Eui-jung Reveals "Death Rumors Were the Hardest Part" of Her 15-Year Brain Tumor Battle

Lee Eui-jung, the beloved South Korean actress, candidly shared that the most challenging aspect of her 15-year battle with a brain tumor was the spread of 'death rumors.'

Appearing on the MBN program 'People Who Guard Their Lives, Master Archers' on the 10th, Lee Eui-jung recounted the difficult period of her illness. She detailed a cascade of health issues that began with a brain tumor diagnosis two decades ago, followed by avascular necrosis of the hip, gallbladder removal, liver problems, and high cholesterol.

Currently, Lee Eui-jung explained that her focus is on maintaining a healthy diet to boost her immunity, as she needs to eat to survive. During the broadcast, she also unveiled her workspace, which featured dolls she created during her peak popularity as the 'Lightning Hair' character.

Reflecting on her past, she noted the stark contrast in her weight, dropping to 42kg during her busiest times, compared to her current 62kg, and recalled extreme sleep deprivation, managing only 30 minutes a night for four and a half years. She revealed that her decision to leave the popular sitcom 'Three Men, Three Women' was driven by her desperate need for sleep.

Lee Eui-jung described the onset of her health crisis, experiencing an abrupt neurological symptom while washing her face, which led doctors to recommend she go to a major hospital in Seoul, after which her memory is hazy. This marked her first serious encounter with a health crisis.

She further elaborated on the immense struggle of her 15-year treatment, stating, "The hardest part during the battle was the news of my own death. Seeing articles like 'Lee Eui-jung Finally Dies.' I even called my father asking, 'Dad, am I dying?' and he was so shocked he hung up."

Concluding her story, Lee Eui-jung mentioned doctors warned of potential complications five years after her brain tumor treatment, but the specific nature was unknown. She felt fortunate that hers manifested as hip necrosis, realizing that necrosis of the liver or stomach could have been fatal. She urged viewers to take good care of their health, emphasizing how difficult recovery is once the body is damaged.

Lee Eui-jung debuted in 1989 on the MBC show 'Bbo Bbo Bbo,' initially as a child actress. She rose to national fame in the mid-1990s through the sitcom 'Three Men, Three Women,' where her iconic 'Lightning Hair' character became a cultural phenomenon. Despite a significant hiatus due to her health struggles, she has continued to appear in various television programs.