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 unforgettable love lines and emotional moments but also catapulted its cast to superstardom.
For years, the public believed the production of Lovers in Paris was filled only with beautiful memories. However, 22 years after the drama aired, lead actor Park Shin Yang has 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’s My Little Old Boy, Park Shin Yang reunited with his former co-star Lee Dong Gun. During the episode, the veteran actor stunned viewers by revealing the severe health crisis he endured while filming in France.
“While filming Lovers in Paris in France, I suffered a spinal injury. For a long time there, I had to lie flat and continuously receive painkiller injections. To be honest, throughout most of the filming process, I was in a dazed state due to the side effects of the medication,” he confessed.
According to Park Shin Yang, except for the moments he stood in front of the camera, he relied on crutches. The situation escalated dramatically when he collapsed before even being able to 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 leaned in close and said, ‘Shin Yang, you have to get up right away. The whole country is waiting for you.’ At that moment, he looked more like a devil than an angel,” Park Shin Yang revealed.
Despite having just undergone surgery, he was reportedly pushed to resume filming before fully recovering. The actor endured intense pain and pressure while continuing to lead the hit drama.
Lee Dong Gun also reflected on the harsh production environment of that era.
“The filming environment back then was very different from now. The schedule was extremely tight. We barely met each other 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 decade, his health has significantly deteriorated.
In a recent appearance on MC and writer Kim Tae Jin’s YouTube channel, he disclosed the extent of his medical struggles:
“After years of acting tirelessly, my body collapsed. I underwent 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 could no longer endure it and had to go through surgery.”
The actor has been on an acting hiatus since 2019 due to these health issues. However, he firmly stated that he has not retired.
“There’s no such thing as retirement for an actor. If there’s a role suitable for my age and circumstances, I’m willing to participate. I continuously consider interesting film and television projects,” he emphasized.
From Actor To Painter
During his break from acting, Park Shin Yang transitioned into the art world. Since 2019, he has been working as a professional painter and has completed more than 130 artworks.
Two years ago, he held an exhibition titled The Fourth Wall, impressing the public with his artistic talent. He is set to hold another exhibition at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts Museum.
Born in 1968, Park Shin Yang debuted relatively late at age 28 but rose to pan-Asian fame thanks to dramas such as Lovers in Paris, Painter of the Wind, and War of Money.
Sources: Starnews,Naver,Nate