Veteran combat sports star and TV personality Choi Hong‑man made a rare candid confession in a recently released talk show preview Take the block quiz.
The segment, titled “Choi Hong-man, the Returning ‘Techno Goliath’: Why He Disappeared and His New Life”, revealed the hidden reasons behind his sudden retreat from the spotlight at the peak of his career.
Known as the “Techno Goliath,” Choi Hong‑man rose to fame in the world of ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling) before moving to K‑1, where his debut victory earned him huge earnings and public attention. At the height of his career, around 2008, Choi Hong‑man suddenly disappeared from competition – a decision he says was triggered by a critical health discovery.
“I went for a health check and found a brain tumor,” he said, referring to the Badr Hari clash, where he withdrew from overtime due to anxiety. “From that moment, people’s injuries started to accumulate.”
He also spoke about his mother’s serious illness around that time: “My mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had metastases and was in critical condition. She was everything to me, my only supporter.” Choi Hong‑man became emotional remembering her.
Choi Hong‑man’s openness marks a departure from his typically imposing and indestructible public image. On the show, he also touched on his current personal life and the pressure of public expectations: “It seems like people want to see my future children. I hear that a lot.”
When asked about dating, he replied: “I want to try. Since so many people ask me about my second generation.”
Choi Hong‑man Full Episode Take the block quiz airs November 5th at 8.45pm on tvN.
Sources: Netizenbuzz
