Comedian Kim Soo-yong (59) lost consciousness and collapsed during a YouTube shoot, drawing attention to the diagonal crease on his earlobe. This crease resembles the “Frank’s sign,” a potential indicator of cardiovascular issues, which has been widely discussed online.
**Collapsed During Filming and Taken to Hospital… “Currently Able to Communicate”**
According to his agency, Media Lab Seeso, Kim Soo-yong suddenly collapsed on November 13th while filming YouTube content in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province. The emergency medical team arrived after receiving reports from his colleagues and staff, performed CPR, and urgently transported him to Hanyang University Hospital in Guri. Fortunately, Kim regained his breath and consciousness. The agency stated, “Kim’s condition has significantly improved, and he is recovering. Thanks to the swift response at the scene, he is currently able to communicate.” He will undergo detailed examinations for an accurate diagnosis.
**“Prominent Crease on Earlobe… Similar to Frank’s Sign”**
After reports of Kim’s collapse emerged, netizens noted the crease on his earlobe in online communities. One user commented, “I noticed Kim had a deep line on his earlobe during a recent YouTube appearance. Isn’t that Frank’s sign?” Another added, “My father showed the Frank sign, went to the hospital, and found his blood vessels were blocked, leading to an immediate stent procedure. Everyone should check themselves and those around them.”
Photos on Kim’s Instagram clearly show the diagonal crease on his earlobe.
**What is Frank’s Sign? Numerous Studies on Its Association with Heart Disease**
Frank’s sign, mentioned by netizens, refers to a deep diagonal crease on the lower earlobe. This sign was first reported by American physician Dr. Sanders T. Frank in 1973. He observed that individuals with this earlobe crease among 20 angina patients had a higher risk of heart disease compared to those without it. Since the ear is an extremity region where small blood vessels pass, changes appear there first if there are blood circulation issues.
A 2023 study by a Mexican research team involving 311 patients under 65 who underwent coronary angiography for heart issues found that 62% had earlobe creases. Other studies have also suggested a link between earlobe creases and cardiovascular disease. However, some research indicates that the presence of the crease does not directly correlate with disease severity. Experts advise that Frank’s sign should not be used for diagnosis on its own but rather as an external indicator suggesting the need for further examination.