Jung Il-woo Reveals Life with a Cerebral Aneurysm: “I Don’t Know When I’ll Die, But I’ve Found Peace”
In a raw and moving appearance on the June 8 episode of TV Chosun’s Huh Young-man’s Food Travel, actor Jung Il Woo spoke candidly about how a life-threatening diagnosis has shaped his perspective on life.
Jung recounted a serious car accident in 2006—just before his acting debut—involving his close friend, actor Lee Min-ho, who was left in a coma for months. Although Jung continued filming High Kick! shortly after, it wasn’t until 2007 that he began treatment for the physical aftermath. By age 27, he was diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm—an abnormal bulge in a brain blood vessel that could rupture without warning.
“They told me I could die at any moment. I was overwhelmed with fear,” Jung said, reflecting on the emotional spiral that followed. “I became depressed and isolated myself for over a month.”
Years later, during an appearance on MBN’s Captain Kim, Jung described the diagnosis as a “time bomb” in his brain. “It’s like spilled water—there’s no going back. I’ve had checkups every six months for the past decade,” he said, calmly accepting the uncertain nature of his condition.
In search of peace, Jung embarked on a soul-searching journey—walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain not once, but three times. The first trip proved transformative: “I didn’t even know why I cried so much during mass. But afterward, I felt lighter, like my heart had been cleansed,” he said. “That was the happiest moment of my life.”
Despite having starred in multiple dramas and films, Jung joked about his financial situation: “Until my twenties, my mom handled everything. Since my thirties, I’ve been managing my own money—and I’ve saved nothing,” he laughed.
Jung also spoke tenderly about his mother, with whom he shares a close bond. After being apart during his early years, while she studied abroad, she now frequently joins him in daily life, including recent outings to concerts and local village trips.
Beyond acting, Jung continues to give back. He recently joined a blood donation relay for the Korean Red Cross’s 120th anniversary and World Blood Donor Day. Known for his philanthropic efforts, Jung has participated in baking for underprivileged groups, international aid, and donations supporting children with rare diseases.
Now, after a two-year hiatus, Jung is set to return to the small screen this August in KBS2’s weekend drama Splendid Days. With renewed purpose and unshakable gratitude, Jung Il-woo stands as a symbol of resilience, living fully in the present, despite carrying a ticking time bomb inside his brain.