In a heartfelt revelation that has captivated fans and the public alike, Lee Hong-Ki (이홍기), the 34-year-old lead vocalist of the popular South Korean rock band F.T. Island (FT아일랜드), has opened up about his ongoing battle with a rare and painful skin condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).
On 9th July, the YouTube channel VIVO TV released a video titled “Ride with the Original Idol Band, Lee Hong-Ki”, featuring the singer in a candid conversation with comedian Song Eun Yi (송은이). As they toured the practice rooms and studios of FNC Entertainment’s new building, their discussion turned to personal topics, leading Hong-Ki to openly discuss his health challenges.
The singer shared the intimate and often challenging reality of living with a chronic and severe skin disorder that has been a part of his life since his high school days. In his candid interview, Hong-Ki disclosed that HS causes painful abscesses and scarring around areas of the body where skin rubs together, including the groin, buttocks, and armpits.
He described the excruciating nature of his symptoms, saying, “I feel like every rock in the world is on my butt when I stand up.” His words painted a vivid picture of the constant discomfort and pain he endures due to this severe skin disorder.
HongKi’s decision to speak openly about HS is not just an act of personal revelation but also a call to action for others facing similar struggles. “I would encourage anyone who has the same pain to go to a doctor with confidence. If you leave it, it will only hurt you more and you need to prevent it. There’s no medicine for it.”
Despite the seriousness of his condition, the singer managed to infuse humour into the conversation. When asked what he wished for Christmas, he responded with a mix of humour and frustration, saying, “I want a new butt,” reflecting on the physical and emotional toll HS has taken on him.
Watch the full video here:
Melissa Royan contributed to this article.
