On a TV Chosun episode of "Dad and Me" that aired on the 29th, Kim was shown visiting a university hospital.
"Liver problems run in my family, so I had liver cancer surgery," Kim said. He said the illness developed around October 2018 and that he had surgery in November.
He said he was filming a drama at the time but felt something was wrong and took a blood test. "Normal liver numbers are between 30 and 40, but mine were over 900," he said, adding that he turned pale.
Kim said the operation was difficult. He said it was expected to take three hours but lasted nearly eight, and that family members outside were distraught, recalling that his mother-in-law lay down on the floor in shock.
Kim's wife said he appeared to have had about 30% of his liver removed. She said the tumor's location was "too bad," and that he stopped all work to focus on recovery.
She also said he is a hepatitis B carrier through his mother's side of the family and that there is no cure. "He always has the virus that can cause liver cancer, so it's not an illness that can be completely cured," she said, adding that he is being monitored to prevent it from worsening.
The attending doctor also urged regular follow-up, saying there is no way to prevent it and that it is best not to go more than six months between tests.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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