2025-06-18T23:03:56Z

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A well-known actor and television personality, Jung Il Woo, recently bared his heart on a talk show, discussing the profound impact of a life-threatening diagnosis he has been living with since a serious car crash years ago. Jung, who gained fame for his role in the K-Drama High Kick!, revealed his journey toward acceptance and peace amidst the uncertainties of his health condition.

The traumatic event occurred in 2006 when Jung was just 19 years old and on the brink of launching his acting career. He was involved in a serious car accident that not only jeopardized his future but also left his close friend, actor Lee Min Ho, in a coma for several months. Jung himself experienced severe physical repercussions from the crash, which he bravely managed while continuing to film for High Kick! shortly afterward. However, it wasn't until 2007 that he began to seek treatment for the injuries he had sustained.

Years later, at the age of 27, Jung received a daunting diagnosis: a cerebral aneurysm. This condition, characterized by a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain, presents a constant risk of rupture, which could lead to life-threatening complications such as stroke or death. The weight of this diagnosis weighed heavily on Jung, leading him into a deep depression where he isolated himself from the world for a month as he grappled with the fear of the unknown.

“It’s a time bomb-like disease. I was so scared and anxious because I didn’t know when I would die,” Jung shared candidly during his appearance on TV Chosun’s Huh Young Man’s Food Travel. His previous discussions on MBN’s Captain Kim highlighted the terrifying reality of his condition, where he revealed that doctors had warned him of the possibility of dying at any moment. As part of his ongoing health management, Jung has been undergoing follow-up checkups every six months for the past decade.

Despite the incredible emotional toll the unpredictable nature of his health has taken on him, Jung Il Woo sought solace by embarking on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain, a journey he completed three times. He recounted his first experience, tearfully recalling an emotional moment during a mass where he felt an overwhelming sense of cleansing, describing it as one of the happiest moments of his life. This spiritual journey played a significant role in helping him find peace and acceptance regarding his condition.

Jung’s uplifting journey is further complemented by his close relationship with his mother, whom he fondly spoke about on the show, sharing charming anecdotes about their recent trips and outings together. Despite the challenges he faces, he often injects humor into discussions about his life, including joking about his financial situation.

In a testament to his resilient spirit and desire to give back, Jung Il Woo participated in a recent blood donation relay event organized by the Korean Red Cross in celebration of its 120th anniversary and World Blood Donor Day. His contributions extend beyond this event, as he has long been known for his philanthropic efforts, engaging in various charitable campaigns that include baking for underprivileged communities and donating to children with rare diseases.

After a two-year hiatus from acting, Jung Il Woo is poised to make a much-anticipated return to television with his role in KBS2's upcoming weekend drama, Splendid Days, which is set to premiere on August 9, 2025. Fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing him back on screen, bringing his unique charm and talent to a new generation of viewers.