Yeong Suk, a participant from Season 28 of the ENA and SBS Plus dating reality show 'I Am SOLO', has expressed her distress over lingering complications following thyroid cancer surgery, reporting voice impairment and continuous pain. While she regained her voice normally immediately after the surgery, she revealed that her vocal functions have since declined due to a lack of proper rehabilitation, drawing sympathy from many.
On the 5th, Yeong Suk explained her long-term throat condition via SNS and disclosed that she recently sought treatment at a specialized medical institution.
She shared, "After suffering from the flu last December, I developed vocal cord nodules, and my voice has not recovered since then. Because the symptoms persisted for such a long time, people around me urged me to visit a large hospital, so I went for a consultation."
She further described the situation, saying, "At the hospital, they asked if I had received voice therapy after my thyroid surgery. The neck area was hardened as if it were adhered to the skin, and I received treatment to loosen it, which was truly unbearably painful."
Yeong Suk confessed that she had high hopes for her recovery immediately after the surgery.
"I was so happy because my voice came out immediately the day after the thyroid surgery," she said. "However, since then, I think I have continued to speak without putting much strength into it. As a result, my vocal cord function has gradually weakened."
She expressed her feelings, saying, "Now, I think it will be difficult to sing. I just wish there wouldn't be any pain, at least when I am speaking." Her comments suggest that it is not just a simple change in voice, but a continuous discomfort even during everyday communication, adding to the sadness regarding the decline in her quality of life following the surgery.
Using her experience as a catalyst, Yeong Suk emphasized the importance of rehabilitation therapy to patients who have undergone similar surgeries.
"I hope those who have undergone thyroid surgery or surgery around the neck, like me, make sure to receive voice therapy at a hospital," she urged, emphasizing that the rehabilitation process after surgery is as important a part of treatment as the surgery itself.
This confession is drawing attention for raising awareness about the potential decline in vocal function and complications that can occur after thyroid surgery. Since the thyroid is located near structures closely related to vocal cord movement, some patients may experience changes in voice, vocal disorders, or adhesion and pain in the neck area after surgery, and professional voice rehabilitation therapy is known to play a crucial role in the recovery process.
Previously, during her appearance on 'I Am SOLO', Yeong Suk received support from viewers when she revealed her experience of being diagnosed with cancer during her self-introduction. At that time, she caused considerable concern by stating that cancer had been discovered in three places in her body.
In a live broadcast conducted after the show ended, she explained her health status more specifically. She stated, "This is a delicate topic for those who have actually battled cancer, but regarding cervical cancer, the treatment was completed at the cervical dysplasia stage, though it was diagnosed as cancer at the time."
Regarding thyroid cancer, she explained, "The tumor was very small, so the hospital suggested monitoring the progress first, but my personal anxiety grew, so I ultimately decided to have it removed through surgery."
Since then, Yeong Suk has consistently shared her health status, revealing her treatment process and daily life of recovery. This time, by honestly disclosing the unexpected complications and vocal decline after surgery, she is receiving empathy and support by directly conveying the necessity of rehabilitation therapy to patients going through similar experiences.
