Min Ji-young reveals thyroid cancer recurrence 5 years after surgery

Actress Min Ji-young has shared a health update, revealing that she did not receive the expected verdict of full recovery five years after her thyroid cancer surgery. She disclosed that cancer cells were identified in her thyroid during a routine follow-up examination and is currently under medical observation. Despite her anxiety, she expressed a determination to maintain a positive attitude in her daily life.

On the 19th, a video titled "Stories I couldn't tell while living in a camping car for 3 years" was posted on the YouTube channel 'Min Ji-young TV (MJYTV)'.

In the video, Min, who is traveling the world in a camping car with her husband, show host Kim Hyung-kyun, opened by saying, "A year has already passed, and it is time for me to return to Korea for a regular cancer screening."

She continued with a calm expression, stating, "My biggest goal after undergoing thyroid cancer surgery was to receive a verdict of full recovery after five years. However, realistically, I am unable to achieve that dream."

Min also explained her current health condition in detail. "Cancer cells were rediscovered in my left thyroid, so rather than deciding on surgery right now, I am in a situation where I am monitoring the progress," she said. "Although five years have passed since the surgery, I am unable to receive a full recovery verdict this time either."

While thyroid cancer is generally known to have a relatively favorable prognosis, it is a disease that requires long-term regular follow-up observation because some patients may have residual lesions or the possibility of recurrence. The medical community considers long-term management—continuously checking for recurrence through ultrasound and blood tests even after surgery—as a crucial element of the treatment process.

Min also candidly confessed the psychological burden she felt after receiving the news of the recurrence. She admitted, "There are times when I feel like I am living with a time bomb inside my body. I suddenly feel depressed, or there are days when I get tired easily or my body swells."

Nevertheless, she added, "I am filled with a much stronger Happy Virus than the cancer cells growing inside my body. I intend to live each day with a positive mind."

Regarding her future plans, she stated, "I think I will know the exact direction once I receive the detailed test results in Korea. Since thyroid cancer is a disease with a relatively slow progression, there is a high possibility that I will continue my world travels after confirming the test results."

Min and her husband have consistently released content documenting their travels and daily lives, traveling to various parts of the world in their camping car over the past few years. In this video, she is receiving support from many viewers by honestly sharing not only the joys of travel but also her health issues and concerns about the future.

Min, who debuted as an SBS talent in the 9th open recruitment class in 2000, gained public recognition through KBS2's 'Couple Clinic: Love and War' and was long beloved for her realistic acting. After continuing various broadcasting activities, she married show host Kim Hyung-kyun in 2018 and currently communicates with fans by sharing her travels and daily life through YouTube.

Min plans to decide her future treatment and travel schedule based on the results of her regular checkups, stating that she intends to balance health management with her content activities.