Moon Geun-young Opens Up About Rare Illness and Comeback on 'You Quiz on the Block'

Actress Moon Geun-young reflects on her battle with a rare illness on 'You Quiz on the Block'.

The 340th episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block', airing on the 22nd, features cognitive psychologist Professor Kim Kyung-il, who has analyzed the unique psychology of Koreans for 36 years, Queen Seo In-young returning after 10 years, and the eternal 'nation's little sister' Moon Geun-young, who is back after recovering from a rare disease.

On this day, Moon Geun-young appears on a talk show for the first time in 16 years, sharing stories and updates that have never been heard before. Reuniting with Yoo Jae-suk on TV after 14 years, Moon Geun-young lightens the mood with her wit, saying, "I've turned 40 in the meantime," and "As my body grew, so did my heart." Debuting in the entertainment industry at the age of 13, Moon Geun-young candidly shares the burdens she had to endure at a young age, alongside the 'nation's little sister' syndrome that followed her teenage years with dramas like 'Autumn in My Heart' and movies like 'A Tale of Two Sisters' and 'My Little Bride'. She also plans to share cherished memories with her grandmother, who was her manager for about 10 years from the start of her career, as well as her philosophy and beliefs about her ongoing charitable activities since childhood.

Moon Geun-young also candidly shares her sudden encounter with a rare disease and her rehabilitation process. Diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome in 2017, she recalls undergoing emergency surgery after being told that necrosis could progress past the golden time. She shares the moment right after surgery when she said, "Mom, I'm so glad I can finally rest," and the anxiety of possibly never being able to act again or regain nerve function in her fingers, as she went through four surgeries and rehabilitation.

After her illness, she shares a relatable and humorous story about giving up the diet she maintained for 18 years and eating popcorn at a movie theater for the first time. She also reveals behind-the-scenes stories of her return to the stage after 9 years, her everyday life enjoying domestic travel, and her self-filmed vlog for the first time. As she enters her 40s, she reflects on her teens, 20s, and 30s, expressing gratitude for the 'break' in her life, sharing stories of 'human Moon Geun-young' that have never been heard before.

'You Quiz on the Block' airs every Wednesday at 8:45 PM.

Reporter Jung Se-yoon, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr