A male fitness trainer living with dissociative identity disorder (DID) revealed his heartbreaking life story and reasons for pursuing breast surgery on the August 11 episode of KBS Joy’s variety show Ask Us Anything, Fortune Teller.
Appearing on set in a long wig and skirt, the guest immediately surprised hosts Seo Jang-hoon and Lee Soo-geun. He introduced himself as having three identified personalities: Oh Sung-jin, a man in his 40s with 19 years of experience as a fitness trainer; Kang Soon, a woman in her 30s who enjoys taking selfies and represents his childhood self; and “the manager,” a personality highly protective of personal information.
“In total, I have more than five personalities, but only three have been identified,” he said. “I don’t think there’s anyone else in Korea with DID. Overseas, there are even cases of over 70 personalities.” After seven years of treatment, he noted, the alters are now aware of each other.
Alongside DID, he also experiences gender identity disorder and depersonalization disorder. “Even with testosterone injections, my female personality didn’t disappear,” he explained. “So I began taking female hormones. This winter, I plan to get breast augmentation and facial surgery. I’m worried about making a living afterward.”
The trainer married in 2008 and has twin children. However, he disclosed that his identity struggles stem from severe childhood trauma. “From the age of five until before entering elementary school, I was sexually assaulted. That trauma caused my gender identity confusion,” he said, adding that he became fully aware of his condition during military service leave.
When asked whether he would want to live solely as Oh Sung-jin if cured, he hesitated — noting that the Kang Soon personality was “listening” at that moment. “I’m not trying to become prettier,” he said, “but I hope people will see me as a woman.”
Seo Jang-hoon voiced concern about his career: “If you keep taking female hormones as a fitness trainer, won’t you lose muscle mass?” The guest reassured him, stating, “I have eight professional cards, earned domestically and abroad. Out of 100 competitions, I placed first in 78. Even with female hormones, I can maintain my muscles.”
The trainer clarified that he only plans breast surgery and no lower-body procedures, which prompted Lee Soo-geun to comment, “That’s because Sung-jin wouldn’t allow it” — a remark that visibly moved the guest.
“I get criticized for being neither here nor there,” he admitted. “People tell me to choose one, but it’s not something I can control. The female personality wants to remain the only one, but the male personality can’t stand it.”
Seo Jang-hoon cautioned that surgery could impact his finances and family. The guest acknowledged the concern: “That’s true. I live for my family. My children are still young and think I’m away for performances. My wife has stood by me since I began treatment.”
Sources: nate
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