Singer Lee Sang-soon reveals health condition after missing radio show for 8 days

Singer Lee Sang-soon has addressed his health condition after an extended absence from his radio show sparked concern among fans.

Lee posted a lengthy message on social media Sunday apologizing for stepping away from his radio duties without explanation. "Many people have been worried because I haven't been able to host the radio show for several days," he wrote. "I sincerely apologize for taking a break without any explanation."

He said he was still awaiting further test results but had been advised by medical staff to rest due to a neurological condition involving reduced vagus nerve function. "Following my doctors' recommendation that I need rest due to 'decreased vagus nerve function,' I have had no choice but to step back from the radio and take it easy," he said.

Lee added that uncertainty over his recovery timeline had delayed his public statement. "I kept thinking, 'If I feel better even tomorrow, I'll get back to it,' and that's how this update got so delayed," he wrote. "I will take this opportunity to give myself enough time to fully recover and come back in better shape."

His agency, Antenna, also released an official statement Sunday, saying Lee had received hospital treatment after a sudden decline in his condition and was on a temporary break from hosting on the advice of medical staff who determined he needed rest due to decreased vagus nerve function.

"We plan to actively support the artist so he can focus entirely on his recovery," the agency said. "Future schedules will be adjusted flexibly, taking his recovery into comprehensive consideration."

Lee first showed signs of trouble on Aug. 26, when he arrived late to his MBC FM4U program "Wanbyeokhan Haru Isangsun-imnida," a daily radio show. Singer Thomas Cook, who filled in for him, told listeners that Lee would be arriving a little late due to poor health. Lee eventually appeared near the end of the broadcast and said he had been lying down in the medical room because he was not feeling well.

Lee had said he would return Monday afternoon, but he was absent again the following day, Aug. 27. He did not return to the live broadcast from Aug. 28 through Saturday, prompting growing concern about his health.

Lee has been hosting MBC FM4U's "Wanbyeokhan Haru Isangsun-imnida" since Nov. 4, 2024, broadcasting daily from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.