Jeong Han-yong Opens Up About Losing His First Daughter to Pneumonia

Actor Jeong Han-yong revealed that his first daughter passed away from pneumonia at just six months old.

On the 22nd episode of KBS2's 'Park Won-sook's Live Together,' the sisters met guest Jeong Han-yong in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province.

Park Won-sook commented to Jeong Han-yong, "You seem to be very generous. Is it because you always play the role of a chairman?" Jeong Han-yong replied, "You need to have something to give to be generous. They always cast me in roles where I have a lot of money," he laughed. Park Won-sook shared, "Even when I was struggling, they always cast me as a female chairman or a chaebol," reflecting on the contrast between her roles and real life.

Jeong Han-yong served as a member of the 15th National Assembly but lost in the 16th National Assembly election. He confessed, "I was completely broke after losing the election. I had no confidence as an actor. I knew my appearance, and I didn't feel like I would succeed as an actor." He added humorously, "Contemporary handsome actors were No Joo-hyun and Han Jin-hee. We were the first of the 'meju' (fermented soybean) style actors."

Jeong Han-yong also shared his extensive experience in radio. "I did a lot of radio shows. I was a DJ for 'Women's Era' with Son Sook and worked with Wang Young-eun for nearly ten years. When the PD first suggested I become a radio DJ, I said, 'What can I do with my voice?' I refused because I had to be there by 9 AM every day, and I drank every night," he recalled. He added with a laugh, "The radio PD said, 'You did TV with that face, so why can't you do radio with that voice?'"

Jeong Han-yong also showcased his impressive drawing skills. "I won an art award in elementary school. I was first in the nation," he revealed. Explaining why he started drawing, he said, "I am an only child. I couldn't go outside because I was scared of people. I lacked social skills and played alone, drawing at home."

Currently, Jeong Han-yong has three children. He shared that he lost his first child, and his second child became the eldest. He then had three more children: a son, a daughter, and another son. Initially, his wife didn't want to have the youngest child. Jeong Han-yong said, "I begged her to have the youngest. I know how hard it is to give birth. I am grateful," showing his understanding of his wife's struggles.

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