Actor Ahn Jae-wook revealed a shocking experience he faced at the brink of life and death after collapsing from a cerebral hemorrhage during a trip to the United States.
On the 19th, while appearing as a guest on KBS 2TV's 'Let's Live Together,' Ahn Jae-wook shared the story of how he collapsed from a cerebral hemorrhage in the U.S. and underwent surgery.
He began, "The drama was extended, so I ended up going on the trip later than originally planned. I had to act as the host for a close brother's wedding in the U.S. but couldn't go because of the drama extension. After finishing the drama, I was doing a musical and had a two-week gap, so I hurried to the U.S."
He began his trip with his brother and sister-in-law in the U.S. and said, "From the first day, I thought I had indigestion. I felt so uncomfortable that I said I would go to my room to rest, but I ultimately collapsed there. I was vomiting and couldn't breathe. Just like in a drama, my hands automatically went to the back of my neck. I heard a tearing sound as if cardboard was being ripped."
His brother sensed something was wrong and entered the room, and after seeing his pale face, immediately called for an ambulance. Ahn Jae-wook said, "My brother came into the room, saw my white face, and called an ambulance, leading to surgery at the hospital. Thankfully, it went well."
However, when he woke up after the surgery, shock and confusion outweighed any joy. He recounted, "When I first regained consciousness, I didn't want to open my eyes. I wished it wasn't real. Rather than feeling happy to be alive, I felt resentment towards the heavens. I asked myself, 'Why me?' most often. I thought, 'What did I do wrong in my life?' This was the most special trip of my life."
Fortunately, the surgery was successful, but realistic problems awaited afterward. The amount billed by the hospital upon discharge was an astounding $500,000, which was about 500 million won at the time's exchange rate. He said, "When I discharged, they told me the hospital bill would be $500,000, and I almost collapsed again. That's about 500 million won. In our country, you have to pay the hospital bill before they perform surgery, but there, they first save your life and then lower the bill later after submitting reasons. It took over two years to fully pay off the bill. I received help from a medical lawyer after returning to Korea, negotiating while continuing to pay back and forth. In the end, it was cut down to less than half."
Ahn Jae-wook previously underwent brain surgery due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage in 2013. A subarachnoid hemorrhage is a bleeding that occurs due to increased intracranial pressure. Having safely returned after surgery, Ahn Jae-wook shared the gravity of the situation on a program, stating, "When I had the cerebral hemorrhage, I was almost dead, or if I woke up, there was a 30% chance of being in a vegetative state or having a disability. He also mentioned that without external influences, the chance of complete recovery was only 7 to 8%."
[Photo] Capture from broadcast screen
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