ENTERTAINMENT
Actor Kim Jung-tae Battles Liver Cancer While Filming Action Scenes for Family
On the 28th, TV Chosun's YouTube channel released a short video titled 'Actor Kim Jung-tae Films Action Scenes Despite Liver Cancer Battle for Family.' In the video, Kim Jung-tae is seen visiting a university hospital for blood tests and a CT scan.
Kim Jung-tae shared, "My family has a weak liver, so I underwent liver cancer surgery," adding, "I was diagnosed around October 2018 and had surgery in November." He confessed to having experienced liver cirrhosis three times, and despite the pain, he couldn't speak up for fear of losing his role in films like 'Friend' and 'The Pirates, Becoming a Disco King.'
He tearfully recounted, "I overexerted myself during action practice, which led to fluid accumulation in my abdomen. Even while filming 'Mutt Boy,' I hid my condition and continued shooting." His mother also shed tears witnessing her son perform action scenes despite his poor health.
Previously, in a released trailer, Kim Jung-tae was advised by a doctor about the risk of liver cancer recurrence. The doctor suggested, "If it can't be controlled, removing part of the liver is an option." Shocked by this, Kim Jung-tae's wife urged him, "Stop worrying about the kids and focus on yourself."
Kim Jung-tae expressed, "When health deteriorates, nothing else matters but family. Ultimately, the ones who comfort me and stay by my side are my young children and my wife. I can't let go of my health for their sake. I have to be a strong father," he said, shedding tears.
Meanwhile, on the 8th, Kim Jung-tae revealed that his eldest son, Ji-hoo, was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, a type of autism spectrum disorder. His wife calmly accepted the diagnosis, saying, "I suspected Ji-hoo might have Asperger's." Kim Jung-tae also acknowledged, "I sense the symptoms of Asperger's," and expressed his concerns, hoping to find solutions through discussions with doctors.
By Soo-min Lee, Ten Asia Reporter danbilee19@tenasia.co.kr
