Veteran Korean actor Soon Dong Woon, best known for his roles in historical dramas like Jumong, has recently shared a deeply emotional account of his life—marked by personal hardship, health struggles, and an unexpected journey into fatherhood.
Appearing on the YouTube channel “That Person Back Then”, the actor opened up about his remarriage and the life-changing decision to embrace his wife’s daughter, who has a level 2 intellectual disability. He recalled the moment he first learned about the child: “I felt completely blank. It was something I had never experienced before.” Despite initial hesitation, he ultimately chose to become a father figure, offering warmth and support through small but meaningful gestures—such as using his background in voice acting to entertain her.
The actor’s personal life has been anything but smooth. After gaining financial stability thanks to his role as strategist Wang Somun in Jumong, Soon Dong Woon attempted to start a noodle restaurant business. However, the venture quickly spiraled due to heavy drinking and mounting marital conflicts, ultimately leading to its closure after just two years.
His struggles didn’t end there. A severe fall resulted in cervical spine surgery, forcing him to step away from acting. Even more devastating, he revealed that he has now completely lost vision in one eye. Due to the nature of historical dramas—where actors often film without glasses—this condition made working on set increasingly dangerous. “Night scenes were like total darkness. I even fell into ditches,” he shared, explaining why he chose to halt his career to avoid burdening others.
Today, living a quieter life in the countryside with his wife, Soon Dong Woon says he has finally found a sense of peace. Yet, his passion for acting remains strong. Encouraged by his wife and fellow actor Yoon Chul Hyung, he is now preparing to return to the screen.
His story—filled with loss, resilience, and unconditional love—offers a powerful reminder that even after life’s harshest setbacks, new beginnings can still emerge in the most unexpected ways.
Sources: Sports Hankook,YouTube That Person Back Then
You must be logged in to post a comment.