Actor Im Hyun-sik Opens Up About Heart Attack and Life in a Traditional Korean House

Actor Im Hyun-sik recently revealed that he underwent a heart stent procedure following an acute myocardial infarction.

On the October 26th episode of TV Chosun's 'Perfect Life,' Im Hyun-sik appeared as a guest.

Im shared his experiences with asthma and an acute myocardial infarction. He recounted, "After work, I was driving home alone when I felt a tight pain in my chest. Something felt off. I sat in the yard hoping it would pass, but it didn't." He continued, "I was scared I might die at home, so I went to the emergency room." He was diagnosed with an acute myocardial infarction in 2014 and received a heart stent procedure the next morning.

A doctor explained, "Myocardial infarction is when the heart muscle is dying. The initial mortality rate is about 30%, and the in-hospital mortality rate is about 5-10%. If sudden pain, cold sweats, or vomiting occur, it's crucial to get to a hospital quickly." The doctor praised Im for seeking help within the 'golden time.' MC Hyun Young shared, "My mother also had a stent procedure due to a heart attack. I'm very concerned about vascular health."

Im Hyun-sik also shared his life in a traditional Korean house (hanok) that he built himself in 1999. The house features a woodworking shop, a barbecue area, and a traditional Korean stove, with wooden furniture that complements the hanok style.

MC Oh Ji-ho asked if living in a hanok was a dream of his. Im replied, "After traveling to various folk villages for historical drama shoots, I wanted to live in a hanok."

His second daughter moved out eight months ago, and Im showed his piano playing skills. When asked where he learned, he said, "My mother was a music teacher." He also practiced oral exercises, saying, "As I age, my pronunciation becomes unclear. Doing these exercises changes my voice a bit, and I hope it keeps me in demand as an actor even after 57 years."

Im emphasized the importance of breakfast and began cooking. His fridge was stocked with side dishes prepared by his daughters. He attempted to grill mackerel but struggled with flipping it, joking, "Flipping mackerel is harder than flipping the world."

Im checked his farming equipment but quickly tired when it didn't work properly. He humorously lamented, "Apple farming is tough every time. I might as well just buy apples."

He visited neighbors and chatted with local residents. A neighbor suggested he find a partner, to which Im replied, "I should find a partner." MC Hyun Young asked if he really didn't have a girlfriend. Oh Ji-ho mentioned a blind date with singer Tony An's mother on a variety show, which Im humorously said would require writing a novel to explain. When asked about his ideal type, he jokingly sang a song about having children and managing a household. Hyun Young laughed, "At your age, having more kids?" Panelist Lee Seong-mi added, "I'll find a woman who can have kids at 70."

Back home, Im's second daughter visited to check on him. When she expressed concern, Im laughed, "I've fully adapted to living alone. It's the first time in 7-8 years I've felt this way."

Im lost his wife in 2004. He once shared, "I have six dental implants. When my wife passed, they all felt loose. It was shocking," expressing the pain of his loss.

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