Kim Woo Bin is currently one of the most popular Korean television stars in Hallyu today. Ever since his breakthrough performance in "School 2013" four years ago, he has become a household name pertaining to K-dramas and K-movies. Some of his well-known acting credentials include the first DramaFever co-production "Heirs," popular coming-of-age K-movie "Twenty," and recently "Uncontrollably Fond."
With only eight years of activity since his debut, Kim Woo Bin has much more to offer.
Unfortunately, he recently hit a roadblock in his career, one that might potentially bring it to an end. It was revealed Woo Bin has cancer.
Kim Woo Bin's debilitating condition was made known by Sidus HQ, the agency and label the Hallyu star is currently signed to. They released an official statement on May 24, 2017 that he noticed something abnormal about his body while partaking in numerous activities on his busy schedule. He went to the hospital for a check-up and received the diagnosis for nasopharyngeal cancer.
What is Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
Nasopharyngeal cancer is a very rare form of head and neck cancer.
It starts in the upper part of the throat behind the nose known as the nasopharynx. It is unknown what causes the cancer but is strongly linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Fewer than one in every 100,000 people in North America get the cancer. However, it is more common in southeast Asia, North Africa, Inuit populations of Alaska and Canada, and Chinese and Hmong immigrant groups in the United States.
What treatment options are available for the Hallyu star and will it affect his career for the time being?
It is happenstance that Kim Woo Bin, who played the role of a popular actor diagnosed with cancer in his last K-drama "Uncontrollably Fond" opposite Bae Suzy, would be diagnosed with cancer himself.
Fortunately, there are numerous options for treatment available for him.
According to Sidus HQ again, he was not too late in receiving treatment and has started both radiation therapy and medication. For the time being, he will concentrate solely on his treatments so he can return healthy. His schedule is currently being discussed to prioritize said treatments.
The new schedule resulted in the upcoming movie "Wiretap" being delayed. The production team of the movie decided to push back filming upon hearing the news of their lead actor's cancer, stating his health is more important than filming the movie.
We don't know how long Kim Woo Bin's treatments will be or if he'll be back to acting anytime soon.
Until then, both Kim Woo Bin and his agency are asking for fans' love and support during this trying time. Many have already expressed their undying support on the Hallyu star's official social media accounts.