"The Worst of Evil" Actor Ji Seung Hyun Reveals He Has Been Diagnosed with an Incurable Disease

Actor Ji Seung Hyun reveals he has been diagnosed with an incurable disease.

In the video titled "I’m Really Sorry…" from the YouTube channel Jjanhan Hyung Shin Dong Yeob, released on October 3, Ji revealed the struggles he faces as an actor, health complications, and lifestyle changes he has adopted.

Ji Seung Hyun — The "Icon of Apology" 

Having held roles in The Worst of Evil, Why Her?, My Dearest, and Korea-Khitan War, Ji recently delivered a powerful performance as the cheating husband Kim Ji Sang in the now-concluded SBS series Good Partner. His repeated apologies, a result of the public's rage towards his on-screen character (and even the actor himself), have led to him being dubbed the "Icon of Apology." 

Ji stated, "I didn't portray the bad things in a very strong manner, so it wasn't that difficult. But I acted by giving justification to this character," and added, "The character Cha Eun Gyeong, played by Jang Na Ra, has neglected her family for a long time. I tried to embody that sadness in my performance." 

Ji Seung Hyun's Tough Path to Acting

He also recalled the time before his rise to popularity when his wife, who is good at cooking, was preparing to open a snack shop. "In 2015, all my projects failed. I had no income at that time." "I was even looking for a rental space for the snack shop. But, after watching Descendants of the Sun, she encouraged me to keep working hard. I guess I felt a spark after watching the first episode. I stopped the snack shop plan, and started working on my next project." 

Ji reflected, "People think I make a lot of money when I appear on TV. But I made only 4 million won and 2 million won from acting the year Descendants of the Sun aired, even though it was a huge hit.  People ask if I'm not moving to a nicer place. I feel a sense of disconnect. It's awkward to say 'No. I'm not,' and I feel embarrassed in front of my parents. It's been about 18 or 19 years [since my debut], and it hasn't even been five years since I started earning as much as an office employee. During the times I had no income, I did a lot of part-time jobs. I worked part-time at my cousin's curry shop in Yeouido and a colleague came by." "It was around the time after the movie Wind when I was gradually getting minor roles in dramas. After filming, the actor would sometimes come by with his manager and stylist to eat. That's when I felt a sense of inferiority." 

Ji received a scholarship for four years for his university studies. He shared, "I've always wanted to act. I majored in English because I wanted to go to Hollywood."

Ji Seung Hyun's Surprising Revelation About His Health

Ji Seung Hyun also revealed that he has been diagnosed with an incurable disease.

He stated, "I have something to come out about. I quit drinking and smoking a month ago," and added, "It's not a critical condition yet, but I have been diagnosed with an incurable disease. Honestly, I should have stopped drinking and smoking last year, but I think it's time to really stop now. That's why I'm so grateful to be invited to Jjanhan Hyung Shin Dong Yeo [a variety show that doesn't involve drinking]. I intend to keep taking care of myself. I have to take care of myself."

Sources (1)(2)