The Korean woman who lost a significant part of her face and stayed home for 55 years is Hang Mioku, whose tragic story has brought attention worldwide.
Once a young singer and model, Mioku became addicted to plastic surgery as she struggled with body dysmorphia and the pressures of beauty in her industry. Her addiction led her to unsafe procedures where she injected harmful substances like cooking oil, cement, and industrial-grade silicone into her face, causing severe disfigurement.
Her face began to swell uncontrollably and by her mid-30s became twice its normal size. This drastic change forced her to retreat from the public and stay at home for decades. During this time, she lived in isolation, facing rejection and ridicule from society. Mioku’s family initially helped by paying for surgeries to correct her appearance, but the damage was extensive, and her mental health deteriorated further, including symptoms of schizophrenia.
After years of suffering, her story was brought to public attention through a South Korean documentary that broke viewership records in 2004. The public response was overwhelming, leading to donations that funded multiple reconstructive surgeries over the next eight years. Surgeons successfully removed over 4 kilograms of foreign substances and excess tissue, reconstructed parts of her face, and restored some functionality, although she was left with lasting disabilities such as the inability to close her eyes and speech difficulties.
Despite the permanent damage, Mioku’s recovery was hailed as a medical miracle and a story of resilience and hope. Her journey highlights the dangers of unregulated cosmetic procedures and the importance of mental health care.
Hang Mioku’s life story now serves as a cautionary tale and a beacon of survival for those battling similar struggles.Hang Mioku, a Korean woman who suffered severe facial disfigurement due to an addiction to plastic surgery, stayed home in isolation for 55 years until surgery freed her.
Originally a singer and model, she became obsessed with cosmetic procedures as she struggled with body dysmorphia, injecting harmful substances like cooking oil, cement, and industrial silicone into her face. This caused her face to swell to twice its normal size, forcing her to withdraw from society.