For many K-drama fans across Asia, Lovers in Paris remains one of the most iconic romance series of the 2000s. The drama not only delivered love lines and unforgettable emotional moments, but also catapulted its cast to stardom.
For years the public has believed in the production of Lovers in Paris it was filled with nothing but beautiful memories. However, 22 years after the series aired, lead actor Park Shin Yang revealed a shocking and painful secret from behind the scenes.
Park Shin Yang opens up on “My Little Old Boy”
On the March 2 broadcast of SBS My old manPark Shin Yang reunited with his former co-star Lee Dong Gun. During the episode, the veteran actor stunned viewers by revealing the serious health crisis he faced while filming in France.
“During filming Lovers in Paris In France I suffered a spinal injury. For a long time there I had to lie down and continuously receive injections of painkillers. To be honest, during most of the filming I was in a daze due to the side effects of the drug,” he confessed.
According to Park Shin Yang, except for the moments when he was in front of the camera, he relied on crutches. The situation worsened dramatically when he collapsed before he could even call a doctor. He was rushed to the emergency room and underwent immediate surgery.
Yet what happened after the surgery left viewers even more stunned.
“The whole country is waiting for you”
“The first person I saw when I opened my eyes after surgery was the director. He came over and said, ‘Shin Yang, you need to get up right away. The whole country is waiting for you.’ At that moment he seemed more like a devil than an angel.” Park Shin Yang revealed.
Despite having just undergone surgery, he was reportedly forced to resume filming before fully recovering. The actor has endured intense pain and pressure while continuing to direct the hit drama.
Lee Dong Gun also reflected on the harsh manufacturing environment of that era.
“The filming environment then was very different from now. The schedule was extremely tight. We barely met before immediately flying to Paris,” he shared.
A decade of health struggles
Park Shin Yang’s revelation sheds light on his prolonged absence from the entertainment industry. Over the past ten years his health has deteriorated significantly.
In a recent appearance on MC and writer Kim Tae Jin’s YouTube channel, he revealed the extent of his medical issues:
“After performing tirelessly for years, my body broke down. I had four back surgeries and later developed thyroid problems. My body had been sending signals for a long time, but I didn’t realize it until I couldn’t stand it anymore and had to have surgery.”
The actor has been on a hiatus from acting since 2019 due to these health issues. However, he firmly stated that he is not retired.
“There is no such thing as retirement for an actor. If there is a role suited to my age and circumstances, I am willing to participate. I am constantly considering interesting film and television projects.” he underlined.
From actor to painter
During his hiatus from acting, Park Shin Yang transitioned into the world of art. Since 2019 he has been working as a professional painter and has completed more than 130 works.
Two years ago he held an exhibition entitled The fourth wallimpressing audiences with his artistic talent. He is set to hold another exhibition at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts Museum.
Born in 1968, Park Shin Yang made his debut relatively late, at the age of 28, but became famous throughout Asia thanks to dramas such as Lovers in Paris, Wind PainterAND Money war.
Sources: Starnews, Naver, Nate
