Medical Journalist Hong Hye-geol Shares Update on Wife's Battle with Depression

Medical journalist and broadcaster Hong Hye-geol has shared an update on his wife, family medicine specialist Yeo Esther.

On the 7, Hong took to his Instagram story to address concerns from those who have been unable to reach his wife. He stated, "I understand that some people are upset about not being able to contact her. Please understand that it's due to her illness, depression. Even a simple one-line reply has become a burdensome obligation for her."

Hong explained, "The reason I went down to Jeju is because putting on a forced smile every day was a hardship for her. Occasionally appearing on YouTube or home shopping is the minimum work she does as a CEO for her company and employees. After a broadcast, she spends the entire week lying in bed in her pajamas."

He described the situation as 'Anhedonia,' saying, "She complains of not finding joy in anything that ordinary people do, like traveling, shopping, exercising, watching shows, or dining at nice restaurants." He added, "She even cancels meals with our son and daughter-in-law, saying she doesn't want to move."

Previously, Yeo Esther had confessed to suffering from depression on KBS2's 'Park Won-sook's Let's Live Together' in January. On her YouTube channel 'Esther TV' on the 5, she mentioned, "I've tried everything. I've tried almost all FDA-approved medications."

Hong Hye-geol's full SNS post:

There are people who are upset about not being able to contact my wife recently. I fully understand.

Please consider it as due to her illness, depression. Even a simple one-line reply has become a burdensome obligation for her.

The reason I went down to Jeju is because putting on a forced smile every day was a hardship for her. Occasionally appearing on YouTube or home shopping is the minimum work she does as a CEO for her company and employees. After a broadcast, she spends the entire week lying in bed in her pajamas.

It's called Anhedonia. She complains of not finding joy in anything that ordinary people do, like traveling, shopping, exercising, watching shows, or dining at nice restaurants.

She even cancels meals with our son and daughter-in-law, saying she doesn't want to move. I kindly ask for the understanding of acquaintances.

Reporter Da-yeon Jeong, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr