Both of On Joo-wan's parents battled cancer.

Actor On Joo-wan showcased his extensive knowledge as a 'history buff' on tvN's 'Naked World History,' while also sharing candid personal experiences that heightened the show's engagement.

On Joo-wan appeared on the October 19th episode of tvN's 'Naked World History' as the day's 'travel mate,' introduced as a 'well-known history enthusiast.' He expressed his excitement, saying, "I have always been interested in history and enjoy works set in historical periods. As a fan of 'Naked World History,' just stepping onto the set is thrilling."

The episode's theme was 'cancer,' a disease humanity most wishes to conquer. On Joo-wan shared, "Twenty years ago, my father underwent stomach cancer surgery, and four years ago, my mother had breast cancer surgery. Witnessing my parents' battles up close made me realize how tough cancer is," he candidly revealed.

On Joo-wan also delved into the 'history of cancer,' sharing various insights. He mentioned, "The character 'Imhotep' from the movie 'The Mummy' is based on a real Egyptian genius doctor and 'god of healing,' Imhotep." He added, "The barber-surgeons who performed surgeries led to the creation of the tricolor barber pole, representing white (bandages), blue (veins), and red (arteries)," adding an intriguing historical tidbit.

During a discussion on 'Group 1 carcinogens,' On Joo-wan humorously responded to a question about 'unexpected carcinogens,' saying, "When I heard 'night shifts' were on the carcinogen list, I initially thought it was a type of root." He then provided valuable information, explaining, "Lack of sleep and stress from night shifts increase cancer risk," seamlessly integrating into the program with his tailored explanations.

On Joo-wan shared a hopeful note, saying, "Fortunately, my father detected his cancer early through a health check-up and had it quickly removed via laparoscopic surgery. My mother also discovered a lump while showering, leading to an early breast cancer diagnosis, which resulted in a good prognosis." He emphasized the importance of timely health check-ups for early cancer detection, encouraging the cast to prioritize 'health screenings,' creating a warm atmosphere.

Reporter Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr