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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider Korean actress, ex-K-pop idol Ryu Ji-won diagnosed with leukemia

Korean actress, ex-K-pop idol Ryu Ji-won diagnosed with leukemia

Published Aug 15, 2025 10:42 am  |  Updated Aug 15, 2025 04:46 pm
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)

Ryu Ji-won (real name Kim Ji-won), 28, an actress and former K-pop idol, revealed that she has leukemia. 

She is a former member of K-pop girl groups Good Day, Redsquare and Irris who transitioned into being an actress last year. 

On Aug. 14, Ryu Ji-won posted on Instagram and announced that she is undergoing treatment for leukemia. 

“It's already been three months since I was suddenly diagnosed with leukemia after being hospitalized without even knowing the reason. I successfully completed the first and second treatments and am currently in the third,” she wrote along with photos of her treatment. 

She said, “I'm so grateful that the first and second rounds went smoothly, to the point where I didn't even think it was serious. After being diagnosed, I felt like I was in a deep pit, not wanting to hear from anyone or receive any comfort. However, the messages and concerns from family, friends, and loved ones have lifted my spirits and brought me much warmth. As expected, humans can't live alone.”

Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)

"I was afraid to upload a picture because I was so unfamiliar with myself, having only shown my made-up appearance since I had no hair and was very fat. I wondered what others would think of this unfamiliar appearance. But now I've gathered my courage and am uploading pictures and text,” Ryu Ji-won added. 

She said, “I'm writing after a long time because I feel like I can at least share an update on how well I'm doing. I still have a big mountain left to go, called hematopoietic stem cell transplant, but I want to finish it quickly and get better so I can return to my normal life, or rather, to a healthier version of myself than before I got sick. Wishing you all a healthy day!!!!!”

Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
IRRIS (X)
IRRIS (X)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
Ryu Ji-won (Instagram)
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