Veteran Korean actor‑singer Jang Keun‑suk has spoken publicly for the first time about the toll—and unexpected gifts—of his 18‑month fight with thyroid cancer, telling viewers of MBN’s reality series Let’s Go Season 4 that the diagnosis forced him to “treasure myself before anything else.” The remarks, broadcast on 20 April and reported by the English‑language Korea JoongAng Daily, come nearly a year after the star first disclosed his condition in an emotional YouTube video.
During the episode, hosts Ahn Jung‑hwan and Hong Hyun‑hee toured Jang’s newly renovated 80‑pyeong (264 m²) home in Seoul. As he guided them through a minimalist living room, the 36‑year‑old abruptly pivoted from interior‑design chatter to a raw account of discovering a malignant thyroid nodule in October 2023. “They say thyroid cancer is a ‘kind’ cancer, but the word ‘cancer’ itself is terrifying,” he admitted, adding that he hid the news from his family for a week while “trying to make peace with the fear.”
Thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable malignancies; papillary cases diagnosed early have a five‑year survival rate close to 100 percent, according to data summarised by oncology researchers. Even so, Jang said the diagnosis upended his self‑image as an invincible performer whose packed filming schedule and nightlife persona once earned him the nickname “Prince of Asia.”
The actor ultimately underwent surgery in May 2024 at Seoul’s Hanyang University Hospital—an operation he jokingly called a “discounted miracle” because he had donated ₩1.2 billion (≈ US $845,000) to his alma mater years earlier. “What I gave came back to me,” he told cameras, explaining that the contribution helped cover medical costs and strengthened his resolve to study philanthropy more seriously.
For longtime fans, Jang’s candour marked a striking evolution from August 2024, when he first confessed to the illness in an 11‑minute upload titled “Hello, this is Jang Keun‑suk. I have something to confess.” In that clip—still live on his “I AM JANG KEUNSUK” YouTube channel—the actor appeared swollen and hoarse, assuring viewers his surgery had gone well but conceding he felt “too scared to do anything” for days afterward. The candid vlog was later aggregated by English‑language outlet allkpop, prompting an outpouring of support across social media.
On Let’s Go, Jang revealed previously private details: he quit smoking, cut late‑night drinking, and now starts each morning with 40 minutes of stretching, a probiotic smoothie and “ten minutes talking to my cat.” His new regimen, first teased in an English‑language Chosun Biz interview, underscores what he calls “radical self‑maintenance”—a philosophy he hopes fans emulate.
The confession also shed light on Jang’s professional calculus. In recent years the star balanced his acting comeback—he finished filming Coupang Play crime thriller Chronicles of Crime in February—with a flourishing DJ career under the moniker “Zikzin.” But after cancelling part of a Japan tour for surgery, he now gauges gigs against a strict “body first” checklist: “If it breaks my sleep cycle, I say no.” Industry watchers note that such transparency from a male Hallyu A‑lister is rare, highlighting a shift toward health‑conscious branding previously seen in female idols like IU and HyunA.
Not all of the episode’s revelations were sombre. When asked how the diagnosis changed his finances, the actor chuckled: “It made me greedier—in a good way.” Jang said he plans to “make more and give more,” citing Bill Gates as an inspiration and floating the idea of a foundation for low‑income cancer patients. The remark drew applause from studio hosts and spurred South‑Korean portal comments praising him as “the real chaebol of hearts.”
Medical professionals welcomed the publicity. Dr. Han So‑yeon, an oncologist at Seoul National University Hospital not involved in Jang’s care, told Korea JoongAng Daily that celebrity testimony can dismantle the “nice cancer” myth. “Survival rates are high, but complications—vocal‑cord damage, lifelong hormone therapy—are real. Hearing a beloved actor admit his fear helps patients feel less alone,” she said.
Meanwhile, fans have created the hashtag #StrongerWithJKS, pledging to share daily acts of self‑care in solidarity. Within 24 hours of the broadcast, the tag generated more than 15,000 posts on X (formerly Twitter), according to analytics firm CrediTrend. MBN officials confirmed that the episode logged a 4.8 percent nationwide rating—double the show’s season average—suggesting that health‑oriented storytelling resonates with viewers fatigued by standard celebrity‑home tours.
In a brief phone call with Maeil Business Newspaper on Monday, Jang hinted at further philanthropic plans tied to the July premiere of Chronicles of Crime. “I’ve always loved the idea of a good cliff‑hanger,” he laughed. “This time the suspense is about how I can multiply the good that came to me.” For an entertainer once known for fast cars and louder parties, the new plot twist may be his most compelling role yet.
As thyroid‑cancer survival continues to improve globally, public‑health experts say stories like Jang’s could nudge more Koreans—especially men, who are statistically less likely to seek early screening—into regular check‑ups. “If the ‘Prince of Asia’ can slow down and prioritise lab work over live shows, the rest of us can probably find time for a blood test,” quipped Dr. Han. For now, Jang Keun‑suk appears determined to live by his own advice: move slower, give generously and remember that even a “kind cancer” can rewrite life’s script—sometimes for the better.
