Comedian Kim Soo-yong recently collapsed and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. Concerns have emerged that a diagonal crease on his earlobe, known as Frank’s Sign, may have been an early warning of cardiovascular issues.

On November 16, a post on an online community pointed out Kim Soo-yong’s earlobe crease from a recent YouTube appearance. The poster wrote: “If a deep diagonal crease appears in the position shown on the earlobe, the likelihood of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular problems increases. This is called Frank’s Sign.”

The user added a personal anecdote: “My father had chest discomfort and Frank’s Sign, so we went to the hospital and found blocked coronary arteries. He received a stent procedure that same day. Everyone should check themselves and their loved ones.”

Frank’s Sign refers to a deep diagonal crease on the earlobe. It was first identified in 1973 by American physician Sanders T. Frank, who suggested that earlobe creases may predict coronary artery disease. Since then, multiple clinical studies have used it as a supplementary indicator, linking it to higher risks of heart attacks, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular conditions.

However, experts caution that it is still debated whether the crease is simply an age-related change or directly correlated with vascular disease.

It has not been confirmed whether Kim Soo-yong’s collapse was caused by a cardiovascular condition. His agency, Media Lab Siso, stated on November 17: “Kim Soo-yong’s condition has improved, and he is currently recovering. He is able to communicate following prompt treatment at the scene. He had no prior warning signs or chronic illnesses. Further detailed examinations are planned to determine the precise diagnosis.”

Kim Soo-yong collapsed on November 13 while filming YouTube content in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Emergency responders performed CPR and transported him to the emergency room at Hanyang University Hospital in Guri. Although initially in critical condition, he regained breathing and consciousness and was moved to the ICU.

Kim Soo-yong debuted in 1991, receiving an award at the first KBS College Comedy Festival and is a 7th-generation KBS comedian. He is active on the YouTube channel ‘Jo Dong-a-ri’ and other platforms. His father, Kim Kwan-yeop, a physician and former head of Sanggye Paik Hospital, passed away in March last year.

Sources: Naver