Hong Jin-kyung, 49, travels to US for brain scan after noticing sharp memory decline

Broadcaster Hong Jin-kyung, 49, traveled to the United States for a comprehensive brain examination after noticing a marked decline in her memory.

Hong posted a video Thursday to her YouTube channel, titled "Is Hong Jin-kyung's memory OK? Results from a full examination by medical staff at a prestigious US university."

In the video, she visited a hospital in San Francisco and was examined by neuroscientist Professor Lee Jin-hyung.

"It's frustrating that my memory is clearly deteriorating significantly, yet MRI scans keep coming back normal," Hong said. "I wanted to get a proper brain examination done, and if there's a problem somewhere, get treatment before I leave."

A neurologist who conducted the brain tests said signs of depression were detected. "Depression can affect memory as well, and if it worsens, it could lead to more serious problems," the doctor said.

Professor Lee said some readings fell slightly outside the normal range. "It's not very serious, but there are abnormal signals in the circuits related to memory," Lee said, noting that Hong showed mild depression and some memory issues.

Hong decided to stay an additional week to undergo treatment.

After five days of treatment and a follow-up brain scan, Hong said she felt clearer-headed and reported that her condition had improved considerably.

Hong married a businessman five years her senior in 2003 and gave birth to a daughter in 2010. She was later diagnosed with ovarian cancer and recovered after about two years of treatment. In August 2025, she announced she had divorced after 22 years of marriage.