FT Island’s Lee Hong Ki is opening up about his long battle with a painful skin condition — and why he still vapes and drinks despite doctors’ warnings.
On the June 15 episode of SBS’s ‘My Little Old Boy’, Lee Hong Ki visited the hospital for a checkup related to his chronic skin condition, hidradenitis suppurativa, and recurring boils on his buttocks — something he’s been dealing with for two decades.
“I’ve had surgery eight times in 20 years because of boils on my butt,” he revealed. “One time during school, it burst in class and soaked my uniform, so I had to leave early. The worst one was the size of my palm.”
Although his condition has improved recently, mostly due to better care and managing sweat, Lee still admitted to some unhealthy habits when talking to the doctor.
“I eat delivery food a lot,” he confessed. The doctor quickly warned, “That kind of food causes inflammation. It’s not good for your condition.”
When asked if he smokes, Hong Ki replied, “I quit regular cigarettes. I use e-cigarettes now. I think that’s still a big improvement.”
He also admitted that he still drinks, though he tries to avoid fermented alcohol. “I only drink distilled liquor now,” he said, while his mom looked clearly worried.
The doctor was firm, advising, “Even that should be cut down. It’s hard, but it has to be done.”
After an ultrasound check, the doctor said the area around his buttocks looked fine, but there were signs of possible inflammation in his armpits.
“This dark spot shows inflammation. If anything happens, come in right away,” the doctor warned. “The condition flares up the most with hormone changes. But once men hit their 40s, testosterone levels drop, so the symptoms often improve.”
Hearing this, Hong Ki gave a small laugh and said, “I’m almost 40 now. So you’re saying my male hormones are disappearing. That’s kind of sad… but I guess also a bit comforting.”
Fans praised Lee Hong Ki for being open and honest about his health and lifestyle, even if it meant showing a more vulnerable side of himself.
Despite the struggles, he managed to bring humor and honesty — proving once again why he's loved for his realness.
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