Park Shin-yang reveals 20-year battle with thyroid disease

Actor and painter Park Shin-yang will candidly share his 20-year battle with thyroid disease for the first time during an appearance on a new variety program. While continuing his career as an actor, he will offer calm reflections on coexisting with the illness and the music that supported him through life's crises, promising a deeply moving episode for viewers.

'Songs That Endured Today - Playlist 109,' an MBC music talk program premiering on the 21st, is an emotional variety show that explores the life stories of its guests through their so-called 'endurance songs'—tracks that helped them weather difficult times. Moving beyond simple appreciation, the program treats music as a medium for memory, healing, and comfort, aiming to organically connect the lives of the cast with their songs through narrative-driven storytelling.

The premiere features Park Shin-yang, who has built a unique artistic identity by expanding his work from dramas and films into the world of painting. Given his rare appearances on variety shows, MCs Lee Seok Hoon, Lee Joon, and DinDin could not hide their excitement and nervousness. The program intends to look past the celebrity persona to focus on a sincere conversation with Park as a human being.

The broadcast will also reveal an unexpected connection between Park and actor Lee Joon. Lee disclosed that he had previously performed alongside Park during a special MBC music program stage; Park recalled the moment clearly, expressing his joy at the reunion. The story of how the two, who initially thought they were meeting for the first time, have reunited years later on the same program adds a meaningful layer to the episode's narrative.

Most notably, viewers will hear Park's first detailed account of his long-term illness. He revealed that he has managed the condition for over 20 years, repeatedly dealing with both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. He confessed that during periods when symptoms worsened, the physical toll was so heavy that even holding a conversation was difficult, and he often had to push through intense physical discomfort to complete his acting assignments.

Thyroid disease is a chronic condition that directly affects metabolism and hormone balance, often accompanied by fatigue, decreased physical strength, mood swings, weight changes, and cardiovascular issues. For professionals like actors, where long filming hours and intense emotional expression are required, managing such a condition is critical to the quality of their work. Park's confession sheds light on the hidden struggles, professional responsibility, and the weight of a life spent managing a chronic illness.

While his health has recovered significantly, Park shared that he continues to manage his daily life through steady treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Rather than viewing the disease as something to be conquered, he explained that he has accepted it as a part of his life and strives to maintain balance, a sentiment expected to evoke deep empathy from the audience.

During the show, Park will deliver a heartfelt performance of his 'endurance song'—the music that helped him through his hardest moments. This performance, which projects his life onto his music, will transcend simple singing to become a musical confession of his past emotions and memories. As he works with the MCs to build a playlist, the show aims to remind viewers of the healing and restorative power of music.

Recent trends in broadcasting have shifted away from stories of glamorous success toward emphasizing authenticity and the process of overcoming failure, illness, and frustration. In this landscape, 'Playlist 109' is gaining attention as a new type of talk program that restores individual narratives through music. The premiere, featuring the intersection of Park's life, art, and music, is expected to leave a lasting impression on viewers.