Jieun Yoo is a South Korean model who, at 24, faced a rare and aggressive cancer that dramatically altered her life. After months of chemotherapy and hair loss, she chose to shave her head in August, turning a painful experience into a statement of agency and self-acceptance.
At a Glance
- 24-year-old model diagnosed with aggressive cancer in 2025.
- Underwent chemotherapy, losing hair in “chunks.”
- Shaved her head in August to reclaim control, later sharing her journey on TikTok.
- Announced remission on Oct. 18 and plans to pursue bucket-list adventures.
- Why it matters: Her story highlights how personal choices can empower patients during treatment.
Early Diagnosis and Surgery
In 2023, Jieun Yoo had surgery for a leg infection. The operation revealed a lump that grew in the same area by early 2025. After removal, her doctor noted the tissue was not benign and sent it to a lab. The results showed cancer cells in her lymph nodes, confirming an aggressive form of cancer.
Chemotherapy and Hair Loss
Shortly after the diagnosis, Jieun began chemotherapy. The treatment’s side effects drained her energy and altered her appearance, including a swollen “Moon Face” from steroid use. Three weeks into the regimen, her hair began falling out in large chunks.
- Energy loss: months of fatigue.
- Physical changes: swollen face, hair loss.
- Emotional impact: insecurity about her new look.
Decision to Shave Hair
Facing inevitable hair loss, Jieun chose to shave her head before it fell out completely. She explained:
“I shaved my head before my hair fully fell out because I wanted it to feel like my choice, not something cancer took away from me,” she shares. “Cancer takes control of so many things, so shaving my head was one small way to take that control back.”
She admitted feeling scared, emotional, and sad during the August decision, yet described the moment as “weirdly freeing.” The experience shifted her focus from appearance to self-value.
Embracing Wigs and Self-Image
After the shave, Jieun began experimenting with wigs and hairstyles. She recalls buying her first hairpiece as an emotional moment, noting:
“Wearing hair that looked like my own made me think about the life I thought I’d be living and the plans that suddenly felt paused. At the same time, it gave me hope. It reminded me that this wasn’t the end and that my hair would grow back.”
She embraced a variety of looks-from pixie cuts to shoulder-length locks-viewing wigs as accessories rather than replacements for her natural hair. This shift helped her feel like herself again.
Remission and Future Plans
On Oct. 18, Jieun revealed to her TikTok followers that her cancer was in remission and that she had completed her last round of chemotherapy. She reflected on the loneliness of chemo:
“Chemo can be incredibly lonely. You’re watching people your age live their normal lives while you’re focused on getting through the day. Knowing that my videos give someone hope makes me feel less alone,” she said.
She added:
“This next chapter is about living without waiting. My cancer is aggressive, and there’s always uncertainty around if it could come back, so I don’t want fear to run my life. I’m excited to check off my bucket list in a very real, human way, and I plan to share my new adventures on TikTok too.”
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Surgery for leg infection |
| Early 2025 | Lump growth, removal, cancer cells found |
| 2025 | Started chemotherapy |
| August | Shaved head |
| Oct. 18 | Announced remission |
Key Takeaways
- Agency: Choosing to shave her head gave Jieun a sense of control during treatment.
- Resilience: Embracing wigs and new styles helped her maintain self-confidence.
- Hope: Her openness on TikTok offers support to others facing similar challenges.
- Future focus: With remission, she plans to live fully and share her journey.
