Could it be a cancer patient's fake relationship? Will the sincerity of young people hoping for miracles prevail? [Love in the South, Love in the North] [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

We are now in the golden age of dating programs (hereinafter referred to as "dating shows"). This time, it is "My Remaining Love," which depicts the romance of patients battling cancer.

The new SBS dating variety program "My Remaining Love," which aired for the first time on the 3rd, follows young people in their 20s and 30s who have received terminal diagnoses or survived near-death experiences as they face life and love once again. Amidst a flood of dating shows such as "I Am Solo," "Transfer Love," "Heart Signal," and "Divorce Singles," "My Remaining Love" has launched, focusing on the romances of young people with limited time left.

On this day, the eight youths who gathered for the first time publicly shared their stories of battling illness and revealed their names and diagnoses.

The disease Robin was diagnosed with in November 2022 was myelodysplastic syndrome, a type of blood cancer. Having received a bone marrow transplant from his older sister, he said, "It is a pre-stage of leukemia. I was in the high-risk group with a high probability of progressing to acute leukemia. I hated having my head shaved. My self-loathing intensified. I have recovered significantly now. It will be three years this September."

Dogo said, "At the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, it felt like I had failed and that it was all over. What exactly did I do wrong? I don't drink much alcohol or smoke. Why me? I thought I lived a healthy life doing volunteer work, so why me? When I started treatment, my hair began to fall out. I realized then, 'It has begun.' I had become a patient," revealing that he endured radiation therapy 15 times.

Jong Eun, who was healthy enough to complete her discharge from the Marine Corps, said, "While suffering from acute myeloid leukemia, I faced two major tasks: treatment to eliminate cancer cells and life after treatment. The doctor told me that the prognosis would be very poor. Remission has not been achieved at all. After the bone marrow transplant, I am experiencing graft-versus-host disease. My hands are stiffening, and my tear glands have dried up, causing both tears and saliva to disappear," revealing her still painful physical condition.

Yejee wept endlessly while listening to Jong-eun's battle with illness. It turned out they had the same disease. He revealed, "I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in December 2018. I survived a life-threatening moment during chemotherapy. The doctor told my mother that there was no hope. Afterward, I battled the illness for five years. Now, my body has become like my grandmother's. Although I look fine on the outside," as he burst into tears.

Seon-ho revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer while serving in the military. He said, "I asked the army doctor if I could die. I was told that we cannot rule out every possibility. It felt like the sky had collapsed. I didn't even take narcotic painkillers. I told the people who were in the ward with me that once we recovered, we should go out for a beer. There were three of us, but only I survived." He confessed that he was diagnosed with complete remission from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Roon-gi was a stomach cancer patient. He received a cancer diagnosis last November and underwent surgery immediately in December. "The tumor's location was poor, so my entire stomach had to be removed," he said. "My esophagus is now connected directly to the small intestine. I have completed four rounds of chemotherapy out of eight total. I am currently receiving maintenance chemotherapy. This is the best time for me right now, so I need to go down immediately and receive another round. I really crave spicy food right now. I want to eat Buldak." His words drew attention.

Na Young said, "I have gradually lost my hearing. When I visited an ear, nose, and throat specialist, they recommended an MRI, suspecting a tumor. It turned out to be a brain tumor. A little devil had entered the auditory nerve. I was told that since it was located where nerves converge, I could go blind." She added, "It is an acoustic neuroma, a type of brain tumor. Because surgery carries too many dangerous side effects, I received steroid treatment to prevent the tumor from growing further. Currently, I cannot hear at all with my left ear," evoking sympathy.

Finally, Min-young revealed that she was diagnosed with terminal osteosarcoma at the age of 14. "After completing the second round of chemotherapy, I underwent surgery. They told me one leg would have to be amputated. I asked them if I should just die instead, but my mother scolded me. An artificial bone was inserted. They said I wouldn't be able to bend my leg anymore. I used to like wearing short skirts, but it seems I'll have to wear pants now. There's no such thing as a 'cured' diagnosis, and the hospital told me to come whenever I want," she stated frankly.

Before its first broadcast, views on "My Remaining Love" varied. While some expressed concern over using death and serious illness as material for a dating variety show, others offered support for the attempt to view death as part of life, resulting in a wide range of reactions. The panelists also gave ample applause and encouragement to young people who shared the pain of battling illness, wept together, and comforted one another.

From the second episode onward, their full-fledged love line will unfold. Attention is focused on whether "My Remaining Love" can overcome various concerns and captivate viewers with sincerity.

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*This content was translated by AI.