"I was shocked and scared" — Kim Woo-bin opens up about his battle with cancer after being told he had only six months to live

South Korean actor Kim Woo-bin's latest Korean film, Officer Black Belt, was released on Netflix on September 13, 2024. While promoting his movie, he opened up about his personal life—including his struggle with cancer.

He was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2017, right after the release of his hit K-drama titled Uncontrollably Fond, where his character died in the end due to cancer. Meanwhile, Kim Woo-bin appeared in episode 59 of the YouTube show, Salty Brother Shin Dong-yup on September 16 to promote Officer Black Belt.

During his interview, Kim Woo-bin recounted the time he was informed he only had six months to live. He was devastated and terrified by his diagnosis, however, he decided to look at the silver lining.

"I was so scared when the doctor said, 'It'll be six months at the shortest,' just like in the dramas. I never once thought that I wouldn't be able to overcome it. Of course, I didn't think about it right away, but I treated it and pulled myself together with the thought, 'This is an opportunity'."

Adding that he thought it was time that he spent his remaining days with his loved ones and family. Kim Woo-bin compared his predicament to a pause that fate had given him so he could gather his thoughts.

"I've been busy for over 10 years since my debut, so I thought, 'Maybe heaven gave me this time to look back on myself and spend time with my family.' It's the same that my body is having a hard time because of treatment." he said.

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Kim Woo-bin returns with a Netflix film, Officer Black Belt, shedding light on his journey and a social message

For the unversed, nasopharyngeal cancer occurs when cancerous tumors grow in the pharynx, which includes the front of the esophagus, the rear of the tongue, the larynx, and other areas. According to Maeil Business Newspapaer, there were around 340 individuals with nasopharyngeal cancer in Korea as of 2014. Early detection can lead to a 70-90% recovery rate.

Meanwhile, on the show Salty Brother Shin Dong-yup, Kim Woo-bin also conveyed his sincere thanks for the tremendous support that friends and fans gave him when he was undergoing treatment.

"Just because my face was known, so many people supported me and prayed for me. I believe that strength was truly conveyed to me. Even at the hospital, the progress was surprisingly good. I could see myself getting better. It's like my heart's homework to keep this heart well and deliver it well. That's why I think I'm expressing it more," he said.

Additionally, his character in the latest movie Officer Black Belt is named Lee Jeong-do. He engages in sports like Taekwondo, Jujitsu, and Kendo, to keep himself healthy and fit. The movie's main theme sheds light on the 24/7 fight of the parole officers to keep society safe by closely monitoring convicts who are released from prisons.

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In 2015, the Uncontrollably Fond actor announced dating actress Shin Min-ah (Hometown Cha Cha Cha). Especially during Kim Woo-bin's battle with nasopharyngeal cancer, Shin Min-ah reportedly visited hospitals in person and remained by Kim Woo-bin's side. The couple completed 10 years together and are often seen traveling, shopping, and eating outside together.