Former Wrestling Champion Shim Kwon-ho Reveals Liver Cancer Diagnosis

Former national wrestling champion Shim Kwon-ho has revealed that he has been diagnosed with liver cancer.

On the October 2nd episode of TV Chosun's 'Joseon's Love Conqueror,' the '53-Year-Old Bachelor Shim Kwon-ho's Marriage Project' was abruptly halted.

During the broadcast, Shim explained why he was unreachable by Shim Hyun-seop and Lim Jae-wook the previous day. He stated, "I couldn't answer the phone because I was too exhausted. Yesterday, I just slept. Today, I've been drinking water to recover."

Shim added, "I just passed out. Eating a lot at once makes me sleep for almost 24 hours. Recovery is that slow. In the past, I could drink all night and be fine."

Upon hearing Shim's condition, the production team suggested a health check-up, but Shim refused the examination and left the hospital. He later confessed that he had already been diagnosed with liver cancer, saying, "I didn't want it to be known; I wanted to keep it to myself." He continued, "I have no one to talk to about this. If I had a partner, I might share my worries, but this isn't something I want to tell my parents. I'm afraid of the attention that comes with cancer treatment, so I ran away. It's not escapism; I just wish I could disappear."

Shim then recalled his past triumphs, saying, "Honestly, after the '96 Olympics, everyone said it was impossible, but I did it. I'll try to overcome this too." Reflecting on his 2000 Olympic gold medal win after changing weight classes, he declared, "I believe I can win if I face it head-on. I'm entering battle mode now," vowing to fight and overcome his cancer.

Reported by Yoo Ye-ji, TenAsia ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr