Lee Sang Soon explains radio absence due to vagus nerve dysfunction

Singer Lee Sang Soon has personally explained why he has been absent from his MBC Radio live broadcasts for nearly eight days. Following a sudden decline in his physical condition, he underwent medical examinations and was advised by doctors to rest due to a neurological symptom known as "vagus nerve dysfunction."

Lee began his message on his SNS on the 6th, stating, "Many people have been worried because I haven't been able to host the radio show for several days. I am sorry to the listeners for taking a break from hosting without any explanation."

He revealed, "Last Wednesday, my condition suddenly worsened, making it difficult to host the radio show, and I have since undergone various tests and consultations. While I am still waiting for more detailed examinations, I am inevitably taking a break from the radio to rest following the medical staff's recommendation that I need stability due to a neurological symptom called 'vagus nerve dysfunction.'"

The vagus nerve is a major component of the autonomic nervous system and is involved in regulating various bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion. However, the "vagus nerve dysfunction" mentioned by Lee does not necessarily allow for a definitive conclusion regarding a specific disease or future prognosis. His explanation that he is waiting for additional tests also suggests that it is necessary to wait for the medical staff's judgment rather than jumping to premature interpretations.

Lee did not exaggerate his condition. He stated, "They say I can gradually recover if I take sufficient rest, so I will take this opportunity to have enough time and return after more certainly recovering my health."

He also explained why his return to the radio was delayed. "Since I am also in a situation where I don't know when I will recover, I kept thinking, 'If I feel okay tomorrow, I should host again,' and that is why this post is late," he said, expressing repeated apologies to listeners.

He added, "I will take this opportunity to thoroughly check my overall physical condition and return to you in good health after fully recovering. Please do not worry too much; I will be resting well and recovering, so please wait just a little longer. Let's meet again soon in good health."

With Lee's explanation, the "health rumors" that had been circulating have gained some substance. Since the official explanations provided by the production team had been limited to "poor condition" and "rest," listeners' curiosity had grown due to his prolonged absence from the live broadcast.

Lee celebrated his birthday on the 25th of last month. The team behind 'Perfect Day, This is Lee Sang Soon' celebrated the DJ's birthday on their official SNS by preparing a cake, saying, "Today was the day Sundi was born." However, his sudden absence began the very next day, the 26th.

At the time, substitute DJ Thomas Cook reassured listeners, saying, "Sundi will be arriving a little late due to poor condition. Please do not worry too much." Lee actually arrived late to the studio and finished the broadcast, but his absences increased thereafter.

After being absent from the broadcast for two consecutive days on the 27th and 28th, he returned on the 29th, but he did not appear on the live broadcast again from the 30th until the 5th of this month. As a DJ who had been sitting in front of the microphone as usual until just a few days ago disappeared for a long period, concern among fans inevitably grew.

In particular, unlike other broadcasting media, radio is a medium where the absence of a host is felt exceptionally strongly. While changes in production staff or cast members can be accepted relatively naturally in TV variety shows or music programs, a radio DJ, who shares their voice with listeners at the same time every day, serves as a kind of daily companion. This is why the absence of Lee, who was called by the nickname 'Sundi,' was felt even more deeply.

Since November 2024, Lee has been hosting 'Perfect Day, This is Lee Sang Soon,' communicating with listeners through his characteristic calm and relaxed way of speaking. Rather than flashy hosting or exaggerated reactions, his method of naturally connecting music with stories of daily life created the program's unique color.

His career as a musician also added musical credibility to his radio hosting. Lee made a name for himself in the Korean popular music scene as the guitarist for the band Roller Coaster, and later expanded his field of activity through various musical works and producing. After marrying Lee Hyo-ri in 2013, he also built a unique lifestyle image for the public by showing his life on Jeju Island, his music, and his natural daily life.

This time, however, he has decided to take care of his physical condition before his music or broadcasting.