On the latest episode of TV Chosun's 'Baekban Journey with Heo Young-man,' actor Jung Il-woo candidly shared his experience of facing the fear of death.
The episode, aired on the 8th, featured Jung Il-woo exploring culinary delights in Boeun, Chungbuk. At 37, Jung reflected on being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm at 27, which led him to embark on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage three times.
Confronted with the fear of death, Jung Il-woo revealed, "I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm during the peak of my career in my 20s. It felt like the world went dark. I thought, 'I don't know what will happen tomorrow, so let's just go.'" This was the catalyst for his pilgrimage.
While walking the Camino de Santiago, Jung Il-woo realized the meaning of 'life's journey continues.' He shared, "They hold a mass for pilgrims at the cathedral. After the pilgrimage, I cried my heart out during the mass. I didn't know why I was crying, but I wept uncontrollably. After that, I felt calm and everything seemed to fall into place."
Jung Il-woo described his time in Santiago as "the happiest time of my life." He added, "I went there to empty myself, but I filled up with so much. I was happy." He expressed how his mindset changed, saying, "I learned to enjoy life and be grateful for everything."
During his meeting with Heo Young-man, Jung Il-woo emphasized the importance of taking a break, saying, "I see myself enjoying life as if nothing happened, after a hectic period."
When asked what kind of actor he wants to be remembered as, Jung Il-woo compared himself to Pyongyang cold noodles, saying, "Not too stimulating, but something that lingers in your mind and is addictive. I want to be an actor people look forward to in my 40s."
Meanwhile, Jung Il-woo is busy filming the new KBS 2TV weekend drama 'Splendid Days' alongside Jung In-sun, Lee Tae-ran, and Yoon Hyun-min. Directed by Kim Hyung-suk and written by So Hyun-kyung, reuniting after seven years, 'Splendid Days' is set to premiere in August, following 'Please Take Care of the Eagle Five Brothers!'
Reported by Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia. Contact: eun@tenasia.co.kr