In ‘Heo Young Man’s Food Travel,’ Jung Il-woo shared about his changed life and mindset after being diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm at the age of 27.

In the episode aired on the 8th, TV CHOSUN’s ‘Heo Young Man’s Food Travel’ (hereinafter ‘Food Travel’) depicted Jung Il-woo appearing to explain why he ended up walking the Camino de Santiago three times.

On that day, Heo Young Man exclaimed at Jung Il-woo, “Did you bring another tall person?” Standing at 183 cm, Jung Il-woo revealed, “I’ve actually been on a diet for a month, solely eating chicken breast. I’ve lost 5 kg, and I’ve been looking forward to my cheat day today.”

At the first restaurant, Jung Il-woo showcased his exceptional cooking skills while tasting the food. When Heo Young Man asked, “Have you made stir-fried eggplant?” he replied, “I have,” as he smoothly explained the recipe. The secret to his outstanding cooking skills was that he once played a chef in a drama. Jung Il-woo stated, “I used to play a chef,” mentioning that he learned knife skills from Chef Lee Yeon-bok. Heo Young Man jokingly responded, “You were a distinguished swordsman.”

Jung Il-woo also mentioned, “My family makes various types of kimchi. Depending on the season, we make young radish kimchi to dongchimi, and for napa cabbage kimchi, we prepare 200 heads to eat,” drawing attention by sharing a video of himself making kimchi with his family at home.

Meanwhile, Jung Il-woo expressed his happiness about his work, stating that even after filming ‘comfort food journey’ the next day, he felt joy in what he does. He shared, “I’m much happier when I’m working. I am returning to drama after a two-year break. When there’s a hiatus, it feels like being in a tunnel. It feels like I’ve been in that tunnel, finally able to see the light as I come out.”

Above all, Jung Il-woo, who debuted in 2006 with the sitcom ‘High Kick Without Hesitation,’ quickly rose to stardom, maintaining a steady popularity without any obscurity for 20 years. To this, Heo Young Man asked, “How did you end up appearing in ‘High Kick Without Hesitation’?” Jung Il-woo replied, “I auditioned. The competition ratio was 400 to 1. I later asked the director, ‘Why did you choose me?’ and he said, ‘I picked you because you just look pretty when you smile.’”

On the other hand, Jung Il-woo mentioned the happiest moment of his life, referring to the Camino de Santiago. After going there three times, he explained, “When I was in my 20s, I was working hard when I was diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm. It really felt dark before my eyes. I didn’t know what would happen tomorrow, but I thought I’d give it a try and went there.”

He continued, “Every Sunday at the Santiago Cathedral, there is a mass for pilgrims. I cried so much during that mass. I don’t even know why I cried, but I sobbed heavily. Friends from abroad that I encountered while walking asked if I was okay and why I was crying. But after crying like that, my heart calmed down, and everything fell into place.”

Previously, Jung Il-woo shared in a video on his channel, “I think Santiago is the happiest time of my life. I came to empty myself, but instead I ended up filling so much. I was very happy, and I hope you all can come if you have the time.” Jung Il-woo added, “I feel like I’ve changed my mindset to enjoy life more and be grateful for everything right now.”

Finally, Heo Young Man asked, “What kind of actor do you want to be in the future?” Jung Il-woo replied, “If I had to liken it to something, I think of Pyongyang cold noodles. It’s not stimulating but has a subtle quality that makes you think of it continuously, it’s addictive, and I want to be an actor who is loved for a long time. I want to become an actor with expectations as I approach my 40s.”

He then noted, “Previously, Jeong In-seon appeared. We are acting together in a drama. If our drama finishes well, I wonder if the two of us could appear together next year?”

[Photo] Captured from the broadcast of ‘Heo Young Man’s Food Travel’

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