On April 2, 2025, actress Lee Sol-yi, known for her marriage to comedian Park Sung-kwang, revealed her battle with breast cancer through an emotional post on Instagram. Along with her confession, Lee shared screenshots of malicious comments she had received online, which contributed to her decision to speak out about her health struggles.
In her heartfelt message, Lee stated, "I think I have to talk about my situation now." She admitted that, despite her efforts to avoid reading comments after appearing on the SBS entertainment program 'Same Bed, Different Dreams 2-You Are My Destiny' with her husband, she was deeply affected by the negative feedback she encountered. "I tried not to look at article comments after the broadcast, but I accidentally saw them after a long time, and I'm tearing up. Five years later, I still find it hard to get used to this. It's so unfair and sad," she expressed.
Lee explained that she had been working diligently at her job for nearly a year following her television appearance but was forced to resign after receiving a threatening note from her company that said, "Just die." The stress from the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise in 'untact crimes' had taken a toll on her, prompting her husband and parents to encourage her to leave her job for her safety.
After resigning, Lee and her husband began preparing to start a family. However, just five months later, she received the devastating news of her breast cancer diagnosis. Lee shared her feelings of guilt and disappointment, stating, "I couldn't have children due to the nature of breast cancer, and I felt so resentful to my parents and in-laws that I couldn't protect my health." She faced the harsh reality of not knowing if she would live for another year or three, which left her feeling despondent.
Lee underwent six months of surgery and hormone-dependent anti-cancer treatment. She described the physical toll the illness has taken on her, saying, "I had to be careful about going out, couldn't eat salty food, vomited every day, lost weight, my skin deteriorated, and my hair fell out. I frequently visited the emergency room and endured a truly difficult time. I'm still taking medication and undergoing treatment for breast cancer."
Despite her struggles, Lee felt compelled to address the hurtful comments labeling her as a "selfish woman" or someone who "uses her husband like an ATM." She stated, "I didn't want to talk about this story, but I'm so heartbroken that I'm only portrayed in such negative ways. I pray with tears, endure the pain from treatment, and hope for survival rates to extend my life day by day."
In her post, Lee also acknowledged the support she received during her difficult times, explaining that her current market work is a way to express gratitude to those who stood by her. She emphasized her desire to clear up misconceptions about her character, asserting, "I've never bought a luxury item before turning 30, and I've diligently saved money. I still work hard to take care of my household so that I don't burden my husband."
Lee expressed her longing for a kinder world, stating, "I'm living with the regret that I'm the reason why we can't have the warm family we dreamed of together. I hope the world is a little more affectionate and kind. I'll do better from now on. So please just understand a little more."
In July 2023, Lee had previously revealed her plans for a second child with Park Sung-kwang on her YouTube channel 'LeeSolyi'. At that time, she shared that she intended to prepare for a second child while resigning from her job but soon realized her health was not in the right condition. She mentioned that they were considering freezing embryos to facilitate future pregnancy attempts.
Lee's candid confession about her cancer journey and the accompanying emotional toll of public scrutiny sheds light on the often unseen struggles faced by individuals battling serious health issues. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding, particularly in a world where online comments can lead to profound emotional distress.
As Lee continues her treatment, her hope for a brighter future remains steadfast. She hopes to one day achieve the family life she and her husband dream of, while also advocating for a more supportive and understanding society.
