5 Popular K-Pop Idols who were Often Sick as Children and Now Have a Brilliant Career

Kapanlagi.com - Appearing energetic on stage, K-Pop idols seem to have no physical weaknesses at all. Their fit and healthy bodies make them appear as if they never get sick. However, that is not entirely true.

Some famous K-Pop idols had to endure a difficult life during their childhood. They had to fight against illnesses that they frequently experienced repeatedly during their early years. In fact, some famous K-Pop idols had to go back and forth to the hospital when they were young before eventually succeeding in their careers as they are now.

1. Yeji ITZY

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Behind her captivating charisma as the leader of ITZY, who would have thought that Yeji had a heartbreaking story about her childhood. In one occasion, Yeji revealed that she had a severe flu when she was 8 years old. 

Her condition worsened even though she had received treatment. She had to be rushed to the hospital. After being treated at a specialized hospital, it was discovered that Yeji had Atopy, a condition that made her body very sensitive to things that could trigger allergies.

Not only that, young Yeji was also known to suffer from pneumonia and osteomyelitis. These two dangerous diseases even threatened her life. However, after undergoing a series of surgeries and treatments, Yeji finally recovered and enjoyed a normal life, leading to her success as a K-Pop idol today.

2. Zico

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Have you ever seen Zico shirtless on several occasions? Well, not to think the unthinkable, but if you observe closely, there are scars from surgeries in the middle of his chest.

Yes, Zico had a very serious heart complication when he was a child, to the point where he had to undergo surgery. This is why Zico served his mandatory military service by working in a public service office instead of the military field.

In fact, in an interview, Zico's mother revealed that her son was born with several illnesses, such as a weak heart, asthma, and bronchiolitis. In addition to his heart, Zico has also undergone hernia and respiratory tract surgeries. Luckily, he can now live a normal life and succeed as a famous K-Pop idol.

3. Eunha GFRIEND

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Before debuting as a K-Pop idol with GFRIEND, Eunha had already debuted as a child artist in Korea at the age of 10. However, before reaching that age, who would have thought that young Eunha often fell ill.

When Eunha was 7 years old, she was diagnosed with a rare disease called Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), due to an excess of white blood cells in her body. This condition can cause various other disease symptoms, such as painful bone swelling, skin problems, hormone deficiencies, and many more.

Although LCH is not cancer, the treatment for this disease is almost the same as cancer. Eunha had to undergo chemotherapy multiple times until the age of 13. Fortunately, Eunha has fully recovered and now she can focus on her successful career as a K-Pop idol.

4. Yena IZ*ONE

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Yena IZ*ONE is known for her cheerful personality and she always appears energetic whenever she performs on various occasions. However, did you know that what Yena is experiencing now is not the same as when she was still a baby?

Indeed, little Yena once suffered from Lymphoma or lymph node cancer. She revealed this herself in an episode of IZ*ONE Chu shortly after her debut. It was so severe that the doctor even told Yena's parents to surrender.

However, Yena's parents did not give up. They even sold Kimbap every morning to raise funds for their daughter's treatment. Miracles happened. Yena's condition improved and she has been pain-free ever since.

Yena's father considers this as the most precious gift from God, especially when he can see his daughter growing up healthy and joyful, including as a famous K-Pop idol.

5. Hyolyn

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Last but not least, there is Hyolyn who apparently also experienced a sickly childhood. This is marked by the tattoo on her chest. The tattoo is not only a Christian symbol, her belief, but also to cover the scar from the surgery when she was still a child.

Hyolyn is known to be born prematurely, her life as a baby had to be lived with biliary atresia. Due to this condition, the bile ducts are blocked, causing jaundice, malnutrition, and eventually complications such as liver failure.

To handle this, Hyolyn had to undergo multiple surgeries on her abdomen. She also suffered from intussusception or folded intestine, so her gallbladder had to be removed. However, luck was on her side, Hyolyn completely recovered until now.

Although she felt insecure because of the many scars on her body, but after choosing to cover them with tattoos, Hyolyn became super confident. Now, Hyolyn is known as a famous K-Pop idol who is proud of her body.

Those are some famous K-Pop idols who were actually sickly when they were young. Fortunately, they no longer experience the heavy life experiences when they are adults, so they can focus on pursuing their careers as healthy, fit, and of course, happy K-Pop idols.

(kly/tmi)