Comic Kim So-yong He recently collapsed and is currently being treated in hospital. Concerns have arisen that a diagonal crease on the earlobe, known as Frank’s sign, may have been an early warning of cardiovascular problems.
On November 16, a post on an online community highlighted this Kim So-yongthe crease of the earlobe from a recent YouTube appearance. The poster wrote: “If a deep diagonal crease appears at the location shown on the earlobe, the likelihood of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular problems increases. This is called Frank’s sign.”
The user added a personal anecdote: “My father had chest discomfort and Frank’s sign, so we went to the hospital and found blocked coronary arteries. He received a stent procedure the same day. Everyone should check themselves and their loved ones.”
Frank’s sign refers to a deep diagonal crease on the earlobe. It was first identified in 1973 by American physician Sanders T. Frank, who suggested that earlobe creases could predict coronary heart disease. Since then, numerous clinical studies have used it as an additional indicator, linking it to higher risks of heart attacks, coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular conditions.
However, experts caution that it is still debated whether the crease is simply an age-related change or directly related to vascular disease.
It has not been confirmed whether Kim So-yongThe collapse was caused by a cardiovascular disease. His agency, Media Lab Siso, said on November 17: “Kim Soo-yong’s condition has improved and he is currently recovering. He is able to communicate after prompt on-site treatment. He had no previous warning signs or chronic illnesses. Further detailed tests are planned to determine the precise diagnosis.”
Kim So-yong collapsed on November 13 while filming YouTube content in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. Rescuers performed CPR and transported him to the emergency room of Hanyang University Hospital in Guri. Although initially in critical condition, he regained breathing and consciousness and was transferred to intensive care.
Kim So-yong he debuted in 1991, receiving an award at the first KBS College Comedy Festival and is a seventh generation KBS comedian. He is active on the YouTube channel “Jo Dong-a-ri” and other platforms. His father, Kim Kwan-yeop, a doctor and former head of Sanggye Paik Hospital, died in March last year.
Sources: Naver
