Broadcaster Han Young Reveals Thyroid Cancer Battle... Touches Tear Glands

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Min Jun-young] Broadcaster Han Young revealed the reason why she had not appeared on broadcasts for five years. Her confession about battling cancer, which she had to hide even from her biological mother, moved viewers to tears.

Han Young appeared on the SBS PLUS variety show 'Do You Eat?' aired on the afternoon of the 20th and shared this story.

Han Young confessed that she entered a five-year hiatus after discovering thyroid cancer during a health checkup. Although she underwent surgery immediately seven years ago while actively working and thought it was not a big deal, she said she suffered from depression and had a difficult time.

She continued, "(After thyroid cancer) I even lost my voice. Only one vocal cord would open and close," adding, "It took three months to speak with a hoarse voice, and it was only after a year post-surgery that I regained my voice." She added that she lived in seclusion, saying, "I was frustrated and couldn’t say what I wanted when I went out around my house. I resented every situation and couldn’t leave the house."

Han Young also revealed that she suffered from panic disorder after one night when she woke up unable to breathe, saying, "I felt extreme terror. Even now, I need a light in front of me to fall asleep," which elicited sympathy from everyone.

She said she kept the cancer surgery and panic disorder a secret from her mother. Han Young said, "I tried to handle it alone without worrying my mother. I didn’t tell her for ten years."

Han Young said she told her mother the truth one year after her voice returned properly. She tearfully said, "My mother learned about the surgery through an article," and "She appeared brave in front of me."

She also shared a heartbreaking family story. While talking about her mother who ran a beauty salon in the countryside, Han Young said, "There were times I misunderstood my mother’s feelings," and "I comforted myself with the short rib dish that holds memories with my mother."

Host Kim Soo-mi encouraged Han Young to continue her entertainment activities, saying, "I hope you come out on broadcasts and don’t suffer alone in silence."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.