Jung Il Woo opens up about life-threatening diagnosis after 2006 car crash that left Lee Min Ho in coma.
The actor revealed on TV Chosun’s Huh Young Man’s Food Travel how a serious accident altered his life forever. The crash happened when Jung was only 19, just before his debut in High Kick! His close friend, Lee Min Ho, was also involved and remained in a coma for months. Jung suffered severe injuries.
Jung continued filming shortly after but began treatment only in 2007. By age 27, he was diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm—a dangerous brain blood vessel condition with no warning before rupture. This diagnosis comes with risks of stroke or death.
He admitted to going through a dark period after the diagnosis.
“It’s a time bomb-like disease. I was so scared and anxious because I didn’t know when I would die.”
— Jung Il Woo
Last year on MBN’s Captain Kim, Jung revealed that doctors warned him he could die anytime and that he’s been undergoing checkups every six months for the last decade.
Seeking peace, Jung walked the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain three times. He described crying during mass on his first walk and feeling like he had been “cleansed.” He called it the happiest moment of his life.
Jung remains optimistic. He shared heartwarming moments with his mother on the show and joked about his finances. He’s also active in philanthropy—joining blood donation campaigns and supporting children with rare diseases.
After two years off-screen, Jung Il Woo is set to return in KBS2’s weekend drama Splendid Days, premiering August 9, 2025.
