Former journalist Seung-hee, diagnosed with rare cancer with a 40% 5-year survival rate, finds will to live through dance

A former journalist, diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer—a rare type of cancer with a 5-year survival rate of 40%—is continuing her daily life of fighting the disease through dance. The footage of Seung-hee in episode 4518 of KBS 'Screening Humanity' shows her changed eating habits and attitude toward life after facing the unwelcome guest that is cancer.

"I would be happy as long as I can move"... Overcoming the pain of illness through dance

Seung-hee, who worked as a former news agency journalist and a non-profit organization manager, saw her way of life change significantly after being diagnosed with cancer one year ago. During the chemotherapy process, she had to adjust her diet due to digestive issues, and after completing chemotherapy, she is focusing on managing her eating habits, such as reducing meat consumption and focusing on fish-based meals. In the video, Seung-hee expressed that even if her body becomes too weak later on, she would be happy just to be able to move a little and dance.

The outlet she chose is a type of modern dance called 'healing community dance.' This dance, which uses the bones of the body instead of muscles, acts like a chemotherapy drug without side effects for Seung-hee. Seung-hee immerses herself in the 'shaking dance,' which involves shaking the whole body to make the muscles flexible and the mind relaxed, thereby relieving the fear she feels while fighting the illness. Even in a situation where physical aftereffects and pain from chemotherapy persist, she strives to feel alive by steadily moving her body.

Accompanying 10-year partner Jung-han and mutual respect

By Seung-hee's side is Jung-han, who met her as a colleague when they joined their company 10 years ago and became lovers. Jung-han is currently serving as a political reporter for an internet news agency. The two recently decided to live together and have merged their lives. It is known that Seung-hee once worried about living together because Jung-han had little verbal expression, but she made the decision because of how he shows his care for her through actions.

While living together, the two have chosen a way to respect each other's individuality and privacy. They live while acknowledging each other's space, such as using separate rooms due to differences in sleeping habits. Jung-han takes care of Seung-hee's meals and daily life, while Seung-hee incorporates the energy gained through dance into her daily routine. Accepting her two identities as both a cancer patient and a dancer, Seung-hee is sharing her experience of fighting the illness through writing, such as serializing related stories in OhmyNews.

"I am just grateful that she is alive"... A mother's heart and Seung-hee's decision

The news of Seung-hee's illness is also a great pain for her family. Seung-hee's mother expresses her tender feelings while checking her daughter's health status. The mother expressed that she is just grateful that her daughter is alive, conveying her desire to do anything for her daughter's health.

In this process, conversations between family members regarding marriage and marriage registration also took place. The mother suggested registering the marriage in advance for her daughter's stability, but Seung-hee is maintaining a cautious attitude considering her current situation and her relationship with her partner. Although Seung-hee experienced economic and physical confusion due to the sudden onset of the disease, she is rebuilding her life at her own pace by visiting libraries and writing.