Pung Ja, the popular YouTuber and broadcaster, opened up about her gender reassignment surgery experience during her recent appearance on the YouTube channel 'A-class Jang Youngran', on March 12, 2025. This marked the first time she publicly discussed her turbulent surgical journeys, which have shaped her life significantly.
Reflecting on her childhood, Pung Ja shared, "This is the first time I'm talking about gender reassignment surgery. I've never talked about my surgery before, and I had a very hard time because of the surgery." Her realization of having a different gender identity sparked at the tender age of fifth grade, and by middle school, she was determined to transition. Her testimony serves as both inspiration and insight, reflecting the challenges many face when confronting their gender identity.
Pung Ja initially attempted to undergo surgery abroad but faced significant hurdles. She recalled, "Before going under anesthesia, I said, 'I can't do the surgery.'" Her anxiety led to physiological reactions; she experienced rising blood pressure and pulse issues. This alarming state resulted in her being rejected for surgery. "Overseas, they say they can't do surgery if you're too nervous (because of blood pressure)," she explained, reflecting on how this experience left her feeling defeated. "I canceled all my charter flights and returned to Korea with my original body. It wasn’t just about the money; I was depressed daily thinking, 'I can’t have surgery because of my appearance.'"
Regaining her resolve back home, she finally scheduled her surgery at a local hospital with anticipation. "I went to the hospital with excitement, thinking I'd have no regrets even if I died today," she recounted, ready to take the leap once more. Although most gender reassignment surgeries typically last between 9 to 10 hours, hers extended to 14 hours due to significant blood loss. "I came out (of the operating room) after only 14 hours because I lost so much blood," she stated, reflecting the stark reality of her surgery.
The procedure was grueling; she faced extreme pain but had to endure it without adequate pain relief. “They told me I couldn’t get morphine during the transfusions,” she revealed. Despite this challenge, she bravely endured the post-operative pain. “The doctor said, 'I can only see a little bit,' and I only got a one-time painkiller injection,” she said. Pung Ja would spend the subsequent month hospitalized, grappling with the aftermath of one of the most transformative experiences of her life.
Upon leaving the hospital, Pung Ja described feeling reborn. "When I came out of the hospital, the world seemed like my world. The weather was so nice when I came out of the hospital," she joked, illustrating her newfound perspective. The long confinement had shifted her outlook on life, heightening her appreciation for simple joys.
Her experiences post-surgery showed her determination to embrace her identity fully. She pursued cosmetic surgeries driven by her desire for self-improvement, saying, "I was eager to capitalize on the success of my channel and get surgeries like double eyelids, cheekbones, and the nose." This quest for beauty wasn’t merely superficial; it was intricately tied to her self-esteem and acceptance.
Pung Ja's YouTube channel blossomed as her viewers admired her courage and story, helping her attain over 100,000 subscribers. She humorously recounted performing live broadcasts shortly after her surgeries, where she ambitively tried to eat apples as the anesthesia wore off, much to the delight of her viewers. "I was there for one hour losing my pain and munching without care," said Pung Ja, bringing laughter to the room.
Through her sharing, Pung Ja hopes to uplift and empower others grappling with their identities. Her narrative emphasizes the importance of resilience and authenticity. By bringing her story to light, she creates space for discussions surrounding gender identity and the experiences of transgender individuals. Her courageous revelations not only shed light on her own struggles but could also inspire and resonate with countless others going through similar journeys.
Her vivacious personality and unwavering spirit have turned her challenges and painful experiences created through gender reassignment surgeries,into not only personal triumphs but also narratives of hope for many.
Pung Ja’s humor, courage, and vulnerability frame her unique story not just as one of surgery and transformation, but of embracing life’s challenges and finding joy—an endeavor splendidly encapsulated through the words, “I went to karaoke once and was thrilled.”