Yang Se Chan Reveals 12-Year Thyroid Cancer Struggle

Yang Se Chan is still fighting thyroid cancer.
His brother hid his shock to support him.
He manages it with medicine and his community.

In a moment of surprising and heartfelt candor, comedian Yang Se Chan recently pulled back the curtain on a very personal health battle he has been fighting for over a decade. Appearing on the popular KBS2TV talk show Problem Child in House, the conversation took a serious turn when fellow guest Jin Tae Hyun brought up his own past experience with thyroid cancer. What followed was a raw and honest revelation from Yang Se Chan, who shared that his own fight with the same illness is not yet a closed chapter in his life, creating a powerful moment of connection and understanding between the two stars.

While many might have assumed his cancer was a thing of the past, Yang Se Chan clarified that it’s a condition he continues to manage today. The discussion provided a rare glimpse into the reality of living with a long-term health issue, even while maintaining a vibrant and very public career in the demanding world of entertainment. His openness not only shed light on his personal resilience but also sparked a wider conversation about the signs and ongoing management of thyroid cancer.

Yang Se Chan Shares His Thyroid Cancer Story

The revealing conversation took place on the October 15th episode of Problem Child in House, which featured Park Si Eun and Jin Tae Hyun as the main guests. The atmosphere shifted from light-hearted to deeply empathetic when Jin Tae Hyun shared that he had fully recovered from thyroid cancer to the point of no longer needing medication. In response,

Yang Se Chan offered a contrasting reality, stating simply, “I’m still taking medicine.”

This admission opened the door for him to detail his 12-year journey with papillary thyroid cancer. He traced his diagnosis back to a routine health checkup he underwent with a group of fellow comedians. The life-altering news came at a particularly busy time; he was in the middle of rehearsing for Comedy Big League when he received the fateful call.

Faced with such daunting news, Yang Se Chan recalled that there was little room for self-pity. In a testament to the unique culture among comedians, he shared how his colleagues used humor as a coping mechanism, a gesture that ultimately provided him with comfort.

“I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer 12 years ago. A group of comedians went together for a health checkup, and that’s when it was discovered. I was rehearsing for ‘Comedy Big League’ when I got the call," Yang Se Chan confessed.

“There wasn’t even time to feel sad. My colleagues tried to cheer me up, jokingly saying, ‘He’s got cancer. Cancer~ cancer~,’ which actually comforted me in their own way,” he recounted.

This anecdote highlights a profound truth about facing adversity, sometimes, laughter and the support of a close-knit community can be a powerful shield against fear and uncertainty.

How Yang Se Chan 'Lives Together' with His Cancer

So, how does one navigate a high-profile career while managing a serious health condition? For Yang Se Chan, it involves a consistent regimen of medication and a conscious effort toward a healthier lifestyle, albeit with a relatable dose of human imperfection.

During the show, he pointed to persistent fatigue as one of the major ongoing symptoms of his condition, a point that Jin Tae Hyun strongly agreed with from his own experience. Yang Se Chan even mentioned sleeping for ten hours straight and still feeling exhausted at work the next dayy.

"That was my body sending me a signal," Yang Se Chan revealed.

While Jin Tae Hyun shared that his surgery led to a complete lifestyle overhaul centered on healthy eating, Yang Se Chan’s approach is refreshingly honest. He humorously admitted that his own health kicks are sometimes temporary.

“I did eat healthy for about six months, but then one day, I found myself eating jjamppong rice again,” he said while laughing.

This journey hasn't been his alone to bear. His older brother and fellow comedian, Yang Se Hyung, has been a pillar of support, though the initial news was a devastating blow. In a separate appearance on the same show back in January, Yang Se Hyung opened up about the moment his brother told him the diagnosis.

“My heart dropped when Yang Se Chan told me he was diagnosed with cancer. I was shocked, but I didn't want him to notice because it might make his panic worse. So I decided to joke about it, telling him things like, 'You do have insurance to cover that, right?'” he revealed.

Behind the scenes, his love for his brother was anything but a joke, he spent considerable time researching thyroid cancer to better understand what his younger brother was facing, a quiet act of devotion that speaks volumes about their bond.

Yang Se Chan’s story is far more than a celebrity health update. It is a powerful narrative about resilience, the importance of a strong support system, and the reality of 'living with' an illness rather than just 'beating' it. His ability to pursue his passion for comedy, bringing laughter to countless viewers while simultaneously managing his health, is a true mark of his strength. Furthermore, the heartfelt reaction from his brother Yang Se Hyung adds a profound emotional layer, reminding us that a cancer diagnosis sends ripples through an entire family, and that love often manifests in research, hidden worry, and using humor as a brave face during the toughest of times.

Source: KBS2TV's Problem Child in House, Allkpop, Chosun, SBS Star