Actor Jung Han-yong Shares Heartbreaking Story of Losing His 5-Month-Old Son
Actor Jung Han-yong recently opened up about the tragic loss of his 5-month-old son during a preview for the MBN talk show, 속풀이쇼 동치미 (Sokpuri Show Dongchimi), uploaded on February 26. He revealed that his son was born with a collapsed lung, which affected his health from the start. Although doctors initially assured him that his son could grow up healthy with only one lung, the child later contracted pneumonia after being discharged with an oxygen tank.
Jung expressed his sorrow, stating, "While receiving treatment at the hospital, my son couldn't overcome his illness. He passed away when he was about 4 to 5 months old." He recalled a particularly emotional moment when he witnessed medical staff using a defibrillator on his son, saying, "I was rolling on the floor under the bed, calling out to all the deities. I promised that if they saved my child, I would follow them without question."
Despite his desperate pleas, his son ultimately passed away. At that time, Jung's mother took the baby in her arms, while he and his wife gathered their child's belongings from the hospital to return home.
The experience was so overwhelming for Jung that he decided to step away from his acting career, which included roles in two ongoing dramas. He found it impossible to perform due to his grief, as he often cried during recordings, leaving his eyes swollen and unable to act.
Eventually, he confided in the president of KBS, where he was under contract, who reassured him, saying, "Don't worry; I will take care of everything. Just go home." Following this, Jung and the other actors who appeared with him in the drama also left the show.
During this difficult time, Jung received comfort from a close American priest, who advised him never to forget his child. The priest emphasized that no one else could bring such joy when the child was born, nor could they understand the depth of his sorrow. Jung reflected on this, stating, "He told me to keep the memory of my child in my heart, as they taught me about both joy and sadness."
This poignant segment will air on March 1 at 11 PM.
