Actress Lee Ui-jung Reveals Lingering Effects of Brain Tumor Battle, Tears Up Recounting Health Scares

South Korean actress Lee Ui-jung has bravely shared the ongoing health challenges and residual effects she has faced following her battle with a brain tumor, moving viewers with her candid account.

Appearing on the MBN program 'The People Who Protect Their Lives, Hyungsa' on the 10th, Lee recalled the arduous period of her treatment. She confessed, "I couldn't sleep for more than 30 minutes for four and a half years." The actress revealed that her decision to leave the popular sitcom 'Three Men, Three Women' was a direct result of her severe sleep deprivation.

Lee described a health crisis 19 years ago when, while washing her face, her hand inexplicably drifted to the side, accompanied by a blinding headache. Medical professionals urged her to seek advanced care at a larger hospital, after which her memory of the event became blank. This incident marked the initial warning sign, leading to a challenging 15-year period of managing her health condition.

Among the most difficult moments she faced was the widespread 'death rumor' about herself. Lee emotionally recounted seeing news reports stating, "Lee Ui-jung Dies," prompting her to call her father in shock and ask, "Am I dead?"

She explained that the after-effects of brain tumors often manifest unpredictably five years post-diagnosis. Lee expressed gratitude that her complications manifested as necrosis of the hip joint, stating, "If my liver or stomach had necrotized, I wouldn't have survived." Her voice trembled with emotion as she shared these reflections.

Having been diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2006, Lee completed her 15-year treatment journey and received a clean bill of health. However, she recently disclosed in an interview that her gallbladder had to be removed due to dysfunction and that her uvula was also surgically removed during a tonsillectomy to prevent potential airway obstruction from steroid treatments affecting the surrounding muscles.

Furthermore, Lee revealed her six-year relationship with her boyfriend, Jang Soo-ho, who is nine years her junior. She cited concerns about having children as a reason for delaying marriage, explaining that her hip joints might not withstand the significant weight gain during pregnancy. Doctors have also advised against pregnancy due to her medical history. Lee tearfully expressed her desire not to pass on her condition or the associated suffering to her future child.

Lee Ui-jung gained significant fame after starring in the 1997 sitcom 'Three Men, Three Women'.

She battled a brain tumor for 15 years after her diagnosis in 2006 before being declared fully recovered.

Recently, she revealed she has been in a relationship with her boyfriend, Jang Soo-ho, for six years, who is nine years younger than her.