The reason behind ITZY Chaeryeong’s emotional moment at a recent fan meeting has been revealed.
Earlier, Chaeryeong approached a woman in the audience. She held her hand, broke down in tears, and embraced her tightly. That woman was her mother, Choi Sun-young. She recently disclosed that she is undergoing cancer treatment.
On August 15, Choi Sun-young shared an update on social media. She had been eating various meats for a week to stay strong. She then revealed her official cancer diagnosis. “Now I’m officially recognized as a cancer patient. I’m going to the hospital next week, and I wonder what kind of treatment I’ll receive,” she wrote. She plans to focus on building physical strength, laughing more, and staying positive. She concluded her post by expressing gratitude for every day.
Choi Sun-young hinted at her health struggles before announcing the diagnosis. On July 14, she wrote that she had started praying to find comfort before surgery. Later, on July 26, she announced that she had been discharged and was recovering.
She thanked her daughters and husband for staying by her side. She also thanked friends who prayed for her. Following the surgery, doctors confirmed her cancer diagnosis. However, she has not disclosed the specific type, stage, or future treatment details.
Chaeryeong’s older sister, solo singer Lee Chae-yeon, previously shared clips of caring for their mother on YouTube.
Against this backdrop, footage from ITZY’s 5th Fan Meeting gained renewed attention. During the event, Chaeryeong spotted her mother in the audience. She walked over, held her hand, and started crying. She then pulled her mother into a tight, emotional embrace.
At the time, the reason for Chaeryeong’s tears was unknown. Following the revelation of her mother’s cancer diagnosis, however, fans have looked back on the emotional moment with a deeper understanding.
The scene has moved many fans, who have since visited Choi Sun-young’s social media account to leave messages wishing her a full and speedy recovery. Comments included heartfelt messages such as, “I sincerely hope you regain your health,” “I’ll be supporting and praying for you,” and “I hope you recover as soon as possible.”
Chaeryeong and Lee Chae-yeon first gained public recognition after appearing together on the SBS audition program K-pop Star 3. Lee Chae-yeon later pursued a career as a solo singer (and former IZ*ONE member), while Chaeryeong debuted as a member of ITZY in 2019 and continues to promote actively with the group.
As Chaeryeong’s mother begins the next stage of her treatment, fans around the world continue to send their warmest support and prayers for her recovery.
