Korean singer Hongki always carries extra underwear with him because of a rare skin disease

In December last year, South Korean singer Lee Hong Gi, aka Hongki, spoke about his rare disease in a variety show.

The 34-year-old said he has suffered from hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful and chronic skin disease, since his high school days.

HS causes scarring and the formation of fleshy lumps. It is known to form near hair follicles, usually in the groin, buttocks, chest, and armpits.

There is currently no cure for HS, but cases are rare in Korea; only about 10,000 cases have been reported.

The FT Island member said he has since undergone several surgeries which have left him with severe scarring and folds of excess skin on his buttocks, adding that he wants a “new bum”.

According to Hongki, his condition worsens when his testosterone levels drop drastically.

He also said he was embarrassed to talk about his life with HS because the scars extend to his private parts.

During the interview, the singer recalled the time when a boil burst, releasing large amounts of blood and pus, causing him extreme pain.

Since then, he always carries an extra pair of underwear with him.

“Because of this illness, I had to leave in the middle of a performance or postpone concerts,” said Hongki.

“During this time I could neither move nor sing. Even flying was extremely uncomfortable,” he added.

“Many people, even my bandmates, thought I was making excuses,” Hongki said.

Hongki hopes that telling others about his condition will make them feel less bad in similar situations.

“Remember, it’s not your fault. You have nothing to blame or be ashamed of,” he said.