Actress Ji Ye-eun publicly disclosed her battle with thyroid cancer during the fifth episode of the Netflix variety show "Yoo Jae-suk Camp", which aired on May 26, 2026.
Per OSEN, the show, featuring Yoo Jae-suk and cast members Lee Kwang-soo, Byun Woo-seok, and Ji Ye-eun, follows their group camping adventures and candid conversations.
During a barbecue party scene, Yoo Jae-suk asked Ji Ye-eun if she had fully recovered her health. She confirmed she was doing well but then shared that her illness was more severe than previously known.
"I heard that even if it's just 0.1cm, it can metastasize. But they told me I had quite a lot of cancer," Ji revealed tearfully, referring to her thyroid cancer diagnosis and the risk of metastasis.
Yoo Jae-suk expressed surprise and relief upon hearing her disclosure, comforting her by saying, "Be thankful. Everything is something to be grateful for." The moment grew emotional as Ji Ye-eun wiped away tears during a campfire scene where Yoo encouraged the group to symbolically throw away their worries into the fire.
According to Naver, Ji Ye-eun had paused all her broadcasting activities last year, including her role on SBS's "Running Man", due to worsening health conditions initially reported as hypothyroidism.
However, her agency had kept the exact diagnosis private at the time. It was later revealed that her condition required surgery and involved thyroid cancer, a serious development that had not been public until now.
Fans and colleagues have expressed overwhelming support for Ji Ye-eun since her heartfelt revelation. Yoo Jae-suk also acknowledged the public's awareness of her illness and expressed gratitude for her recovery and presence on the show. Yoo Jae-suk Camp's honest talk reveals Ji Ye-eun's personal health journey, highlighting the importance of support during tough times.
In separate news, ChosunBiz reported that Ji Ye-eun revealed that she has little interest in serious dramas and feels happiest doing comedy and variety shows. Speaking on Jee Seok-jin's YouTube channel, she said she mainly receives variety show offers and considers comedy her true calling.
Ji shared that her original dream was to become a comedy actress and admitted she focused on developing what she was best at rather than pursuing traditional acting roles. However, she expressed interest in someday appearing in sitcoms or comedic dramas.
READ MORE: Popular Actress Ji Ye Eun Takes Sudden Hiatus Due to Health Concerns
