Jang Keun-suk Opens Up About Mental Health and Personal Challenges
Renowned Korean entertainment figure Jang Keun-suk recently unveiled personal details concerning his mental health issues and other health challenges during his appearance on MBN’s Let’s Go Season 4. This disclosure provided a deeper understanding of the struggles he faces away from the limelight, as reported by Sponichi.
Known affectionately as “Asia Prince” among his admirers, Jang welcomed the show’s hosts, Ahn Jung-hwan and Hong Hyun-hee, into his opulent residence. His home and his adeptness at managing domestic tasks left a strong impression, as highlighted by Chosunbiz. However, the dialogue took a sober turn when Jang began discussing his health management practices.
Confronting Cancer and Mental Health Issues
Jang explained his daily routine involves checking his blood pressure every morning as a part of his health management, a practice he adopted following his cancer diagnosis. He shared with Chosunbiz that his thyroid cancer was detected unexpectedly during a routine medical examination after doctors observed alarming signs. Dismissing the often-used term “good cancer,” Jang asserted, “Where is there such a thing as a good cancer in this world?”
More profoundly, Jang opened up about his battle with bipolar disorder type II. This condition profoundly affected him around the time of his Tokyo Dome concert, a major career event. He told Sponichi, “I suffered from severe depression starting a month before the concert. It was due to my disregard for myself and constant busyness. I don’t even recall the performance itself. Afterwards, I found myself questioning, ‘Was that really me?’”
The period following the concert was particularly difficult, as Jang described being confined to bed for six months and needing hospital visits. He painted a picture of his bipolar disorder’s cyclic nature: “For six months, I lacked any motivation, and then for the next six months, I was brimming with ideas.”
Despite the challenges, Jang found a silver lining in the manic phases of his condition, which spurred his creative processes. His recovery was notably aided by his stint as a social service worker, providing him with a structured lifestyle he had not previously experienced. “For the first time, I lived a regular life as a social service worker. After two years, I achieved both physical and mental health,” he recounted.
A Renewed Perspective on Life and Giving Back
These experiences have profoundly influenced Jang’s perspective on life. He now prioritizes his well-being and has eliminated harmful habits, such as smoking. “I have started to see myself as more precious and avoid things detrimental to my health,” he mentioned during the show.
His journey has also heightened his commitment to philanthropy. Jang disclosed that he has donated 1.2 billion won to his alma mater, reflecting on the impact of his charitable actions. “I truly feel that what I give out in life comes back to me. It seems like a rule set by heaven, where the aid I provide to others eventually returns to me,” he reflected.
Fans of Jang Keun-suk will have the opportunity to see him live at his “2025 JANG KEUN SUK SPECIAL LIVE [Nevertheless]” scheduled for April 22-23 at the Makuhari Event Hall.
Hi, I’m Emily, a passionate and dedicated member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a keen eye for detail and a love for writing, I ensure that the latest celebrity news, major economic trends, and helpful tips for your home are presented in the most engaging and informative way possible. Fun fact: During a particularly exciting news story, I once managed to finish an article in record time, fueled solely by copious amounts of coffee and pure adrenaline!
