In February 2017, Moon Geun-young suddenly felt a sharp pain in his right arm. She was diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome and underwent four surgeries. Acute compartment syndrome is a medical emergency in which blood flow to muscles and nerves is restricted due to increased pressure within a compartment, causing extreme pain and possible paralysis. If not treated in time, it can lead to muscle and nerve necrosis.
After her diagnosis, Moon Geun-young underwent four surgeries and spent about a month focusing on recovery. After regaining her health, she returned to acting, appearing healthy in her subsequent projects. However, when he wore short sleeves at public events, the scars from his surgeries were visible, reminding others of the pain he had endured.
Moon Geun-young’s return came with the 2021 KBS drama special “Abyss.” He will next appear in “Hellbound 2”, where he plays the character “Sunshine Class Teacher”, a key figure in the fanatical group Arrowhead. His character spreads misconceptions, further throwing the world into chaos.
Dressed all in black, Moon Geun-young appeared for a photo session looking slightly fuller than before. Throughout the event, he kept a bright expression and took the microphone, saying: “I have always wanted to work with director Yeon Sang-ho. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity and had a great time filming, especially challenging myself with a new character.” MC Park Kyung-lim commented “Moon Geun-young’s eyes shine” as he introduced the excited actress.
Regarding her character “Sunshine Class Teacher,” Moon Geun-young explained: “She was just an ordinary person, but she became deeply involved in a religion, reaching a position where she fervently preaches fanaticism. It’s the most dramatic transformation since my debut. I’ve put on so much makeup and made so many changes that even I barely recognize myself.” Smiling, she added: “It’s Moon Geun-young from “Stairway to Heaven.”“
Moon Geun-young further shared: “I have always had passion and curiosity for new roles. Since opportunities don’t always come as I would like, I often felt hungry for more. Then director Yeon offered me this incredibly attractive character and I felt so excited, like a fish in water, ready to have fun and do my best on set.”
There were funny incidents on set due to his dramatic transformation. Since some scenes required a stunt double, his stunt double also had to be heavily made up, which created confusion as to who was who. At one point, the staff didn’t even recognize Moon Geun-young, resulting in much laughter.
Despite many fans’ concerns about his health, Moon Geun-young addressed the issue personally. Although he didn’t mention it during the press conference, he later shared on social media: “Many people seem concerned about my health, but I have fully recovered and am now in great shape.“He added:”Although I have gained some weight, I am currently on a diet, so please root for the success of my diet rather than worry about my health.“
With her health restored and her bold transformation a success, the nation’s “little sister” Moon Geun-young is ready to make her return. “Hellbound 2,” featuring his role, will be released on Netflix on October 25.
Source: Daum
