South Korean actor Go Joon has shared a shocking and deeply personal health scare from his past, revealing he suffered partial paralysis while filming one of his most significant career projects. The actor disclosed this harrowing experience during a candid interview, detailing a medical emergency that threatened to end his acting career.
The Dream Role That Turned Into a Nightmare
During an appearance on the variety show 'Table for 4' on December 15, Go Joon looked back at the filming of the 2014 movie 'Tazza: The Hidden Card'. The film, which propelled him to fame, also became one of the most frightening periods of his professional life. Driven by passion for what he called his 'dream' role, the actor pushed himself to the limit.
He trained and filmed relentlessly, day and night, neglecting his own well-being in the process. This extreme dedication and physical strain had a severe consequence: he developed shingles. While shingles is typically a painful but localized condition, Go Joon's case took a dangerous and unusual turn.
Shingles Spreads to the Brain, Causing Paralysis
The actor's condition escalated far beyond the typical presentation of the disease. The virus spread to his brain, leading to a terrifying outcome: partial paralysis. This medical crisis occurred right in the middle of shooting his beloved project.
The paralysis caused one side of his face to sag. To maintain his appearance on camera for the remainder of the shoot, a wire structure had to be placed inside his mouth. Despite the immense physical hardship, Go Joon was determined to finish the film. He admitted the ordeal nearly forced him to quit acting permanently.
"My gums bled constantly, causing multiple takes, but the production team accommodated me by filming from one side, allowing us to finish the movie," the actor recounted, highlighting both his perseverance and the support he received.
A Long and Arduous Road to Recovery
Following the initial diagnosis, doctors told Go Joon that his condition should improve within six months. However, the paralysis persisted even after seven months, prompting him to seek multiple medical opinions. Traditional treatments were not yielding results, leaving him in a prolonged state of distress.
His breakthrough finally came through acupuncture. The actor found significant relief and improvement from acupuncture needles, which became a pivotal part of his treatment. His recovery was not swift; it was a grueling process that spanned approximately 2.5 years before the paralysis was fully cured.
Go Joon's story is a stark reminder of the physical toll intense work schedules can take and highlights the importance of prioritizing health, even amidst pursuing one's biggest dreams. His resilience in the face of a debilitating condition and his eventual recovery add a profound chapter to his journey in the entertainment industry.
