Actor Lee Joo-ahn Reveals Heartwarming Story of Liver Donation to Mother

Actor Lee Joo-ahn, known for his role as Gong Gil in the popular drama 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,' showcased his filial piety and shared the reason behind his four attempts to enter college on the recent episode of MBC's variety show 'Omniscient Interfering View,' aired on the 18th.

During the show, Lee Joo-ahn caught attention with a large scar on his abdomen. When asked about the noticeable scar, he revealed, "I donated my liver to my mother eight years ago."

His mother was in need of a liver transplant due to cirrhosis, but both she and the doctors were against it because Lee's liver was smaller than average. However, as her condition worsened to liver cancer and she fell into a coma, the decision fell to Lee, who proceeded with the transplant.

Lee shared, "It's just my mother and me. I thought, 'Let's return what came from my mother's body.' I was more afraid of losing her than the surgery itself." He also shared the good news that his mother has been declared cancer-free and is now receiving outpatient treatment.

Lee, who had 70-80% of his liver removed during the surgery, recounted, "Before the surgery, the doctor explained 100 reasons why I could die. As a donor, I was discharged first, but I had to return to the emergency room that evening due to complications with my gallbladder. I ended up staying in the hospital longer, and my mother even visited me after her discharge."

Regarding his liver's condition post-transplant, Lee stated, "About 80% of my liver has regenerated to its original size, but its function hasn't fully recovered. I used to recover from drinking in a day, but now it takes three times longer," explaining why he now abstains from alcohol. Fellow cast member Lee Young-ja remarked, "It's not easy to donate a liver to your mother. In this era, what's considered natural isn't always so," expressing her admiration.

Meanwhile, Lee Joo-ahn's home was revealed, featuring a black chandelier purchased from an overseas shopping site and rooms with distinct themes, such as a teal bedroom, beige-toned dressing room, and orange-toned hobby room. He proudly shared, "I studied interior design for three months."

When asked if he owned the house, which boasts a terrace reminiscent of a party room, Lee replied, "It's not mine, but since I'll be living here for a few years, I convinced the landlord to support some of the renovations, and I contributed my own money as well."

Lee Joo-ahn, who has learned a variety of skills from playing the piano since childhood to ballet, pole dancing, acrobatics, climbing, Muay Thai, horseback riding, and Japanese, believes, "An actor should be prepared to take on any role at any time."

A graduate of Dankook University's Department of Performing Arts and Film, Lee shared his determination, "I got into college after four attempts. During my second attempt, I injured my arm in a bicycle accident, and during my fourth attempt, I underwent the liver transplant for my mother. I took the college entrance exam and practical test while hiding a drainage bag, and after being rejected in the early admissions, I was accepted in the regular admissions."

Reported by Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia