During the July 21 episode of the YouTube show Alttaldalhan Chamgyeon, titled “Actor Jung Il Woo‘s 20th Debut Anniversary: High Tension with 10-Year Friend Ahn Jae Hyun,” actor Jung Il Woo revealed that he immediately embarked on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage after learning of his diagnosis.

“As soon as I was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, I walked the Camino de Santiago,” Jung Il Woo said. “It became the turning point that changed my overwhelming fear of not knowing when I might die.” He explained that the pilgrimage helped him find emotional stability and inner peace.

Jung Il Woo reflected on meeting fellow pilgrims during his journey, saying many were facing major turning points or hardships in their lives. “Everyone walking there had experienced a major life change or was going through something incredibly difficult,” he shared. “We naturally empathized with each other, comforted one another, and although it was physically exhausting, it was also refreshing. It was a time of healing myself.”

The actor recalled arriving at a cathedral, where a special Sunday Mass is held for pilgrims. “I cried uncontrollably during the Mass,” he said. “I don’t even know why I was crying, but the tears just kept coming.”

Afterward, he felt a profound sense of relief. “I felt refreshed, and my heart became calm. I think everyone needs moments like that in life.”

Jung Il Woo also revealed that doctors discovered his brain aneurysm before his mandatory military service.

He explained that he visited the hospital after suffering from increasingly severe headaches. “Before I enlisted, my headaches became so severe that I went to the hospital. My doctor recommended a thorough examination, and that’s when they found the aneurysm.”

He added that the condition often goes unnoticed unless symptoms become apparent . “They told me many people don’t realize they have it unless they’re particularly sensitive to the symptoms. I didn’t have headaches before, but they eventually became severe enough for me to seek medical help.”

Jung Il Woo said doctors informed him that there is no complete cure for a brain aneurysm, making long-term monitoring essential. Fortunately, after years of regular follow-up examinations, his condition has stabilized. “They told me there’s no such thing as a complete cure. I’ve undergone long-term monitoring for years, and now my condition has become stable.”

His candid remarks offered reassurance while highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and continuous medical observation.

Sources: Daum | 스포츠서울