Jung Il Woo recently opened up about his emotional journey living with a brain aneurysm, shedding light on the health struggles he’s faced behind the scenes.
The popular star appeared as a guest on Kim Jong Kook’s YouTube channel, GYM JONG KOOK, on Thursday. During their conversation, Kim brought up Jung’s medical history, noting, “You had a major accident early in your career, yet you still work out a lot. I heard you have to be careful about your blood pressure.”
Jung Il Woo, who brought along a homemade chicken breast soba dish to share, reflected warmly on their friendship. “I’ve known you, Jong Kook, for about 15 or 16 years now. It’s been quite a journey,” he said. “I’m working on a new drama, and I’ve really gotten into fitness lately, so I reached out to you about training together.”
Speaking about his health and wellness routine, Jung emphasized the importance of consistency. “I’ve thought a lot about how to live a healthy life. Exercise is the answer,” he said. “That’s why I work out every day and watch my diet closely.”
Jung Il Woo’s health struggles date back to 2006, when he was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm following a serious car accident. Reflecting on that difficult time, he shared, “It felt like I was living with a ticking time bomb inside me. I didn’t know when it might go off. I was terrified.”
During the same appearance, Kim Jong Kook suggested using a wrist brace to help with joint support. Jung responded by revealing that he suffers from arthritis as a lingering effect of a crushed wrist injury.
He previously spoke candidly about the emotional toll of his diagnosis on the Korean TV program Huh Young Man’s Food Travel, saying, “After the diagnosis, I fell into depression and couldn’t leave the house for over a month. I was consumed by the fear that I could die at any moment.”
Despite the challenges, Jung Il Woo is ready to return to the spotlight. He stars in the upcoming KBS2 drama Our Golden Days, set to premiere on August 9.
