Hong Ji-min: My sister died 2 months after lung cancer diagnosis; mother with dementia can't remember her

Musical actress Hong Ji-min shared the preciousness of family while recalling her second sister, who passed away suddenly due to lung cancer, and her mother, who is suffering from dementia.

On the 18th, the MBN variety show Dongchimi aired an episode themed 'Please Take Care of My Mom,' discussing family caregiving and dementia.

During the broadcast, Hong revealed that her 95-year-old mother has been living in a nursing hospital for four years due to dementia, explaining that this is why she consistently plans family trips.

"Since my younger sister passed away, I have been the one constantly arranging family trips," she said, adding, "Because I don't know when the last time will be."

Recalling those days, she continued, "My second sister passed away just two months after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. She was the prettiest sister among us."

Hong's eldest sister also reminisced about the situation during the broadcast. She said, "While taking care of Mom, there were many clashes. It was a very difficult time, and I was actually trying to settle down by applying for permanent residency after being assigned to the US. However, my second sister was diagnosed with cancer and passed away after 49 days."

She added more sorrow, stating, "The second sister was someone who cherished Mom more than anyone else. She cared for our parents so much that she even said, 'Don't worry and go in peace, I will take responsibility for Mom until the end.'"

Hong confessed that after losing her sister, she realized too late that the time spent with her family was too short.

"I thought I had many special memories with her, but when I actually tried to recall them, there weren't as many memories of being together as I thought," she said. "After experiencing that, I felt deeply that spending time with family is the most important thing."

She added, "My younger sister lived in Daegu, and not long after she passed away, I became pregnant and gave birth, which strengthened my resolve. Since then, I have made every effort to ensure the family gathers and goes on trips together."

During the broadcast, she eventually turned red-eyed while looking at her mother.

"Just a moment ago, she said she wouldn't eat, but then she suddenly started eating so well," Hong said. "It was so sad to see Mom just eating, knowing nothing, while we were talking about our late sister."

She shared her heartbreaking feelings, saying, "At first, I couldn't tell her about my sister's death. But I eventually told her just before she passed away, and she cried so much then. She practically wailed. Now, she doesn't even remember the fact that her sister has passed away."

She added, "Looking back now, it seems the early symptoms of dementia had already begun around that time."

In response, neurologist Jang Min Wook explained, "After the onset of dementia, newly formed memories often fail to be stored well. While memories from before the onset tend to be maintained relatively longer, things that happen after the onset may not be remembered."

When Lee Hong-ryeol asked, "Did the eldest sister continue to take care of the mother after that?", Hong revealed, "The eldest sister lived with and cared for Mother for 10 years. I lived in the building right next to them and helped by coming and going frequently."

She expressed her gratitude to her sister who dedicated herself to the family, saying, "In reality, the eldest sister took on most of the caregiving, and I provided support by her side."

Hong's confession left a deep impression on viewers as she calmly conveyed the pain of losing a loved one and the reality of families caring for dementia patients.