Doctor's YouTube Video on Alcohol and Liver Cancer Risks Sparks Outrage Over Celebrity Mentions

A doctor's YouTube video discussing the dangers of alcohol consumption and its link to liver cancer has ignited controversy, particularly for its use of celebrity images and provocative claims. The video, which features entertainers Shin Dong-yup, Sung Si-kyung, and Ji Sang-ryeol, warns that individuals who appear healthy despite heavy drinking are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer and may die sooner.

The doctor, who boasts over 110,000 subscribers, released the video approximately three months ago with the title "Doctors Warn Who is Most Likely to Get Liver Cancer." It has since garnered over 630,000 views. In the video, the doctor discusses common traits among the mentioned celebrities, focusing on those who drink heavily but show normal liver function in check-ups.

"There are people who drink 365 days a year but their bodies look clean," the doctor stated, adding that such individuals are often considered "the most dangerous." The physician argued that while normal liver test results might offer false reassurance, these individuals should be particularly cautious, with the doctor emphasizing, "If you know someone like this, you should tell them, 'You are the most at risk right now.'"

The doctor further explained that the liver often shows no significant symptoms even when substantially damaged, stating, "It doesn't show any signs even when 80% is ruined. It rots quietly and then suddenly bursts as liver cancer." The video cited cases where individuals who exercised regularly and maintained their health received normal liver test results, only to be diagnosed with stage 2 liver cancer after experiencing abdominal pain.

However, the recent resurfacing of the video has drawn criticism for its thumbnail and the specific mention of celebrities. Netizens have accused the doctor of crossing a line, questioning their qualifications and ethics for using healthy celebrities to discuss liver cancer. Many expressed concern that the video could cause misunderstandings and lead to negative experiences for patients during consultations.