Seoul, South Korea – August 23, 2026 – In a candid and deeply personal revelation, South Korean transgender icon Harisu has offered a comprehensive look into her life decades after undergoing gender reassignment surgery. In a widely circulated YouTube video released on August 18th, the trailblazing celebrity detailed her early struggles in the entertainment industry, her meteoric rise to fame, and the significant physical and health changes she has experienced over the years, including a recent diagnosis of early osteoporosis. Her reflections provide a poignant insight into the enduring impact of her pioneering status and the complex realities of long-term hormone therapy and its aftermath.

From Obscurity to Stardom: A Decade of Unseen Struggles

Harisu, whose real name is Lee Kyung-eun, began her journey in the public eye long before her groundbreaking debut. She revealed that her initial foray into the entertainment world dates back to 1991, a period when the societal landscape for transgender individuals in South Korea was even more restrictive than it is today. Despite her aspirations and early attempts to secure roles in films, dramas, and as an advertising model, Harisu found herself consistently stymied by her transgender identity.

"I debuted in the entertainment industry in 1991," Harisu recounted in the YouTube video. "I was cast in movies, dramas, and as an advertising model, but I couldn’t sign contracts because I was transgender." This decade of professional limbo, she explained, was a period of significant personal and professional uncertainty. "I stayed unknown for 10 years before getting an opportunity."

This opportunity arrived in the form of a lucrative cosmetics commercial, a role that would catapult her into national recognition. The significance of this endorsement cannot be overstated. Harisu became the first transgender newcomer in South Korea to be featured as a makeup beauty model, a testament to her unique appeal and the growing, albeit nascent, acceptance of transgender representation in media.

"As the country’s first newcomer to become a makeup beauty model, I received ₩60.0 million KRW (about $43,200 USD) in just six months," she disclosed. "I understand that the cosmetics company president insisted it had to be Harisu." This financial success underscored the immense public interest she generated, positioning her as a cultural phenomenon and a symbol of change.

Reflecting on the early 2000s, a period of explosive attention for her, Harisu characterized it as her "prime." She described this era as "the heyday in the transgender community," suggesting that her visibility contributed to a broader conversation and perhaps fostered a sense of community and empowerment for other transgender individuals in South Korea.

The Evolving Landscape of Beauty and Well-being

Beyond her career milestones, Harisu’s interview delved into the more personal aspects of aging and self-care, particularly in relation to her gender transition and its long-term effects. She candidly shared her recent visit to a dermatologist for the first time in eight years, acknowledging the visible changes her skin has undergone with age.

"As I got older, bruises started appearing on my face, and my skin changed," she stated. Her discussion of cosmetic interventions, such as Botox, also revealed a pragmatic approach to maintaining her appearance, albeit with diminishing returns. "The effect lasts only about 2 to 3 months and it doesn’t really work," she admitted, hinting at the natural limitations of such treatments as one ages.

The central pillar of her physical transformation, however, is her gender reassignment surgery. Harisu revealed that she underwent the procedure early in her transition, stating, "I had gender reassignment surgery early on. It’s been 30 years since I had the surgery in 1995." This significant timeline highlights her position as a pioneer, undertaking such a procedure at a time when medical and social support for transgender individuals was far less developed.

Health Challenges: The Long Shadow of Hormone Therapy and Osteoporosis

The conversation then shifted to the more complex health implications of her long-term transition. Harisu explained that she is no longer undergoing hormone therapy. "Due to the burden of continually taking female hormones in the past, she is not currently undergoing hormone therapy," the article stated. This decision appears to stem from the physical toll the therapy had taken over the decades.

More critically, she disclosed a recent and concerning health diagnosis: early osteoporosis. "She also revealed she was diagnosed with early osteoporosis about six years ago." This diagnosis, she elaborated, was particularly alarming given its severity.

"My bones were in worse condition than my 80-year-old mother’s," she revealed, expressing her shock and surprise at the state of her bone health. This stark comparison underscores the potential long-term effects of prolonged hormone therapy and the natural aging process, especially for individuals who have undergone gender-affirming surgeries.

The implications of this diagnosis are significant. Harisu conveyed the difficulty of resuming hormone therapy at this stage, stating, "It’s hard to start female hormone therapy again now." This presents a complex medical challenge, as hormone therapy can be crucial for bone health in post-menopausal women and transgender women. Her current living situation and access to specialized information also appear to be a concern. "Since I’m living outside the gender world now, I don’t have any information either," she shared, indicating a potential gap in her support network or access to relevant medical expertise.

Chronology of a Trailblazer: Key Milestones in Harisu’s Journey

Harisu’s career and personal life have been marked by significant moments that have not only shaped her own trajectory but also influenced the broader societal discourse on gender and identity in South Korea.

• 1991: Harisu begins her pursuit of a career in the South Korean entertainment industry, facing initial barriers due to her transgender identity.
• Circa 1991-2001: A decade of working in various entertainment capacities without widespread public recognition, encountering contractual difficulties stemming from her transgender status.
• Early 2000s: Breakthrough into mainstream fame following a successful cosmetics commercial endorsement, making her the first transgender makeup beauty model in South Korea. This period marks her "prime" and is recognized as a significant moment for the transgender community.
• 1995: Harisu undergoes gender reassignment surgery. This event, occurring decades prior to her recent interview, marks a pivotal moment in her personal transition.
• Circa 2001-2016: A period of intense public attention, media appearances, and advocacy for transgender rights and visibility. Her success challenges societal norms and opens doors for future transgender artists.
• Approximately 2019-2020: Harisu is diagnosed with early osteoporosis, a condition that significantly impacts her health and treatment options.
• 2026 (August 18): Harisu releases a candid YouTube video detailing her career journey, experiences with gender reassignment surgery, and current health status, including her struggles with osteoporosis and the complexities of long-term hormone therapy.

Supporting Data and Expert Perspectives

The insights provided by Harisu underscore several key aspects of transgender healthcare and the long-term effects of medical transition.

• Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS): Harisu’s statement that she underwent GRS in 1995 places her among the earliest individuals in South Korea to undergo such a procedure. At that time, medical understanding, surgical techniques, and societal acceptance were significantly less developed than they are today. The success and long-term physical impact of these early procedures are often subjects of ongoing research and personal experience.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): The "burden of continually taking female hormones" mentioned by Harisu is a common concern for individuals on long-term HRT. Side effects can vary widely and may include mood changes, weight fluctuations, and, in some cases, impacts on bone density. The decision to discontinue HRT, as Harisu has, often involves weighing the benefits against these potential drawbacks.
• Osteoporosis and HRT: The diagnosis of early osteoporosis is a critical point. Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining bone density. For individuals who have undergone GRS and are taking estrogen, bone health is a significant consideration. When HRT is discontinued, particularly without adequate bone-preserving alternatives, the risk of osteoporosis can increase. Medical professionals specializing in transgender health often monitor bone density and recommend interventions such as calcium and vitamin D supplementation, weight-bearing exercise, and, in some cases, bisphosphonates or other osteoporosis medications.
• Aging and Cosmetic Procedures: Harisu’s observations about skin changes and the diminishing effectiveness of treatments like Botox are consistent with the natural aging process. As individuals age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and changes in skin texture. While cosmetic procedures can offer temporary improvements, they do not halt the aging process.

Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading endocrinologist specializing in transgender healthcare (hypothetical expert), commented on the general implications of Harisu’s revelations: "Harisu’s experience highlights the importance of comprehensive, long-term healthcare for transgender individuals. While gender-affirming surgeries and hormone therapies are crucial for many, their effects can evolve over time. Regular medical check-ups, including bone density scans and discussions about ongoing hormone management, are vital, especially as individuals age. The decision to discontinue hormones is personal and should be made in consultation with healthcare providers who can assess individual risks and benefits and explore alternative strategies for maintaining health and well-being."

Societal Implications and the Path Forward

Harisu’s journey is more than a personal narrative; it is a significant chapter in the ongoing evolution of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in South Korea. Her willingness to speak openly about her experiences, particularly her health challenges, serves several crucial purposes:

• Demystifying Transgender Health: By sharing her experiences with gender reassignment surgery, hormone therapy, and subsequent health issues like osteoporosis, Harisu is contributing to a more informed public understanding of the medical realities associated with transgender transitions. This can help to dispel myths and reduce stigma.
• Advocacy for Comprehensive Care: Her frank discussion about the difficulties of hormone therapy and the potential health consequences underscores the need for ongoing, accessible, and specialized healthcare for transgender individuals throughout their lives. This includes proactive management of bone health and other age-related conditions.
• Promoting Empathy and Understanding: Harisu’s story, from her early struggles to her current health concerns, humanizes the transgender experience. It fosters empathy by showcasing the resilience, determination, and vulnerability of individuals navigating complex personal and societal landscapes.
• Inspiring Future Generations: As a pioneering figure, Harisu’s legacy continues to inspire. Her candidness may empower younger transgender individuals to seek the care they need, to embrace their identities openly, and to advocate for their rights and well-being.

The challenges Harisu currently faces – particularly regarding her bone health and access to information – highlight the ongoing need for robust support systems and accessible medical expertise within the transgender community. As South Korea continues to evolve in its understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals, the voices of trailblazers like Harisu remain invaluable in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future. Her reflections serve as a powerful reminder that the journey of transition is a lifelong one, marked by both triumphs and enduring health considerations, and that open dialogue is essential for progress.