Jeon Du-hwan, Changed Appearance... Turns Out to Be Diagnosed with 'Blood Cancer'

Former President Jeon Du-hwan.
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Seoyoung Kwon] It has been revealed that former President Jeon Du-hwan was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

According to the JoongAng Ilbo on the 21st, former President Jeon was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. It is known that he was admitted to Sinchon Severance Hospital on the 13th and underwent several tests.

Regarding this, a medical official who spoke to JoongAng Ilbo explained, "Cancer was confirmed through blood tests and others for former President Jeon," adding, "He is expected to receive a bone marrow test soon and be discharged shortly." He further stated, "Based on the test results so far, it seems certain that it is multiple myeloma."

The official also hinted, "Since former President Jeon is elderly and may find it difficult to endure chemotherapy, he is being treated with symptomatic therapy." Symptomatic therapy refers to treatment that addresses the outward symptoms of a disease. Additionally, he said, "Former President Jeon was in a state of electrolyte deficiency, so he received treatments such as electrolyte supplementation and correction of hypercalcemia," and added, "It is understood that there is no particular other treatment being administered."

According to the National Cancer Information Center, multiple myeloma is a type of blood disorder in which plasma cells, which produce antibodies in the bone marrow, proliferate abnormally. It is characterized by invading bones and causing immune disorders, hematopoietic disorders, and kidney dysfunction. The incidence rate sharply increases from the 50s age group, with the highest patient ratio in their 70s. As of 2018, the 5-year relative survival rate is 46.6%.

Earlier, on the 9th, former President Jeon appeared gaunt at the Gwangju District Court for an appeal trial on charges of defamation of the deceased. Within just a few months, his appearance had become so emaciated that some netizens raised suspicions, suggesting "Was a body double used?"

At that time, former President Jeon showed signs of not being able to concentrate on the trial or dozing off less than 10 minutes after it began. He responded to questions such as his place of residence by repeating answers given by Mrs. Lee Soon-ja, and it was also reported that he complained of breathing difficulties about 25 minutes after the trial started.

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