Actor Jung Woo has revealed the shocking reason why he stepped away from the spotlight at the height of his popularity, missing what could have been a rise to A-list stardom.

Following the massive success of Reply 1994, Jung Woo quickly became a household name. However, instead of capitalizing on the momentum, he chose to disappear from the screen, declining projects and slowing down his career at a crucial moment.

In a recent appearance on the YouTube show hosted by comedian Shin Dong Yup, Jung Woo finally explained the reason behind his decision. Shin Dong Yup recalled how popular Jung Woo was at the time so much so that even his wife used Jung Woo’s photo as her phone wallpaper before carefully asking why his career seemed to lose momentum afterward.

Jung Woo then shared disturbing experiences he faced after rising to fame. “I was very grateful, but when I suddenly became popular, I had a lot of obsessive fans,” he said. “Some people sent me envelopes filled with their own hair, and others wrote letters in blood.”

He added that these fans even showed up near his home, going through his trash, which left him deeply shaken. “I really couldn’t handle it. I think there was a period where I lived almost in hiding. I was very scared and had to be cautious about many things,” he admitted.

Despite the fear that once held him back, Jung Woo has gradually found his way back into the industry on his own terms. Through the comedy film Audition 109, he not only returned as an actor but also took on a creative role behind the scenes, marking a meaningful new chapter in his career.

Born Kim Jung Guk in 1981 in Busan, Jung Woo is known for his natural and versatile acting style. Although he debuted in 2001, his breakthrough came in 2013 with standout roles in You Are the Best! and especially Reply 1994, where his portrayal of “Sseureki” (meaning “Garbage”, “Rubbish” or “Trash”) Kim Jae Joon earned him widespread acclaim, including Best New Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards.

After a quieter period post-Reply 1994, he continued to build his filmography with diverse projects such as C’est si Bon, The Himalayas, Red Family, and Dirty Money. He has also explored screenwriting, contributing to the film Wish (2009).

In his personal life, Jung Woo remains relatively private. He married actress Kim Yoo Mi in 2016 in a low-key ceremony, and the couple continues to live quietly. Despite the ups and downs in his career, Jung Woo is still regarded as a talented actor capable of leaving a lasting impression with every role he takes on.

Sources: k14