On the July 16 episode of MBC’s “Radio Star,” FTISLAND’s Lee Hong-gi joined Jang Geun-suk, TXT’s Soobin, and Kim Shin-young for the “World Class, I’m the Only One You See~” special, where he spoke candidly about his personal life—from an old dating rumor to his fight against a rare skin disease.

Dating Rumors Resurface

During the show, Lee found himself facing an unexpected moment when it was revealed he once ranked among Japan’s “Top 10 Most Disliked Koreans,” alongside major names like Kim Yuna and the late Lee Kun-hee. While Lee initially explained the backlash stemmed from a blunt comment about Japanese food on a TV show, Jang Geun-suk interrupted, teasing, “Let’s be honest—it was because of your dating scandal.”

The scandal in question dates back to 2015, when Lee was romantically linked to Japanese gravure idol Ai Shinozaki. Though he denied the rumors then, claiming they were “just friends,” he addressed it again on the show, saying, “I truly didn’t know she was that famous in Korea. There were just too many headlines.” When asked if they’re still in touch, Lee replied in Japanese, “Tomodachi (friends).”

Jang added that fans still reference the rumor today, saying, “People comment online, ‘Lee Hong-gi’s fine because he dated her.’”

A Voice for Hidden Pain

Switching gears, the show highlighted a deeply personal struggle Lee has faced for years: hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin condition. First revealed in a prior broadcast, Lee shared he has now become an awareness ambassador for the illness.

“I’ve had it since middle school,” he said. “At one point, my school uniform would get soaked, and I’d have to sit awkwardly in class to avoid pressure. If I sat wrong, it would burst.”

Lee described undergoing eight surgeries and likened the experience to “falling into an antlion trap.” The disease, often shrouded in stigma, causes painful, recurring abscesses and infections. “If you don’t treat it early, it spreads. Even healing is painful,” he said.

Although not fully cured, Lee noted that symptoms have eased in recent years. “I heard it tends to disappear in men once testosterone drops in their 30s or 40s. I haven’t had flare-ups lately. Not sure if that’s good or bad,” he joked.

By openly discussing both personal and physical challenges, Lee Hong-gi offered viewers a rare look beyond celebrity headlines, blending honesty, humor, and heartfelt reflection in his long-awaited “Radio Star” appearance.