Actress Juyeon Lee Shares Her Colonoscopy Prep—Should We Really Watch?
South Korean actress Juyeon Lee recently shared a very personal health experience on her social media: her colonoscopy preparation. In a series of candid posts, she described the physical toll it took on her body, sparking a debate among fans and netizens alike. At 170cm tall and weighing just over 46kg (about 102 lbs), Juyeon revealed that she lost almost 2kg (4.4 lbs)—roughly 4% of her total body weight—in a single day after taking a bowel-cleansing solution.
Her posts, which included phrases like "Mom, save me," and "I feel like I'm dying," drew a strong response, with many fans expressing concern for her health. Some praised her transparency as brave and helpful, while others felt it might have crossed a line.
In Favor: Promoting Preventive Health Through Real Stories
Supporters of Lee’s openness say her post serves an important function—reminding the public about the need for preventive health screenings. Colonoscopies are crucial for detecting colon cancer and other underlying issues early. But the prep process, which involves drinking liters of a strong oral laxative to fully evacuate the bowels, can cause dehydration and physical distress. Her honest account sheds light on what the medical brochures often skip.
Health transparency from celebrities can be powerful. When someone as glamorous and high-profile as Juyeon Lee shares her struggles, it can validate similar experiences for everyday people and even encourage them to go for their own checkups. Her openness helps break down the myth that celebrities are immune to the uncomfortable or embarrassing parts of life.
Against It: Oversharing and the Burden of Public Vulnerability
However, critics argue that not everything belongs online, especially something as intimate as a colonoscopy prep. Oversharing health issues invites not just sympathy but also speculation, misinformation, and even judgment. Lee’s rapid weight loss (in an already underweight body) caused alarm and led to questions about whether such a procedure is safe for someone so slim.
More importantly, social media snapshots often miss critical context or nuance. Viewers might wrongly assume that Juyeon’s experience is typical, or worse—take her suffering as a reason to avoid vital health screenings entirely. Healthcare professionals caution that while the prep can be unpleasant, it's generally safe with proper supervision, and the benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort.
Where Do We Draw the Line on Medical Personal Disclosure?
Juyeon's story draws attention to a broader question: when celebrities share raw, personal content about their health, are they helping or harming public understanding? The answer may lie somewhere in between. While it undeniably humanizes the medical process, it also risks simplifying complex health issues or triggering inappropriate comparisons.
The U.S. has seen similar debates. When stars like Chadwick Boseman (posthumously) or Selena Gomez opened up about their health struggles, the reactions were mixed—both deeply empathetic and uncomfortably intrusive. The public craves authenticity, especially in an era of curated Instagram lives, but it’s crucial to pair that honesty with context and care.
The Takeaway: Balance, Empathy, and Education
Ultimately, Juyeon Lee’s story is a reminder that even the healthiest-looking people face real health challenges. Her posts may have been dramatic, but they reflect a truth many face in silence: preventive care isn't always easy, and it can be emotionally and physically jarring.
If there’s a lesson to be learned, it’s this—whether you are a fan or a casual observer, approach such disclosures with empathy. If you're considering a colonoscopy or any preventative test, talk to your healthcare provider, not Instagram stories. Celebrities can open the door, but it's our responsibility to walk through it wisely.
