Actress Jung Young Sook surprises with physical fitness despite reflections on aging

“I really must prepare to go now.” 79-year-old actress Jung Young Sook shared her honest reflections on preparing for the final chapter of her life. However, her subsequent health checkup results and physical abilities surprised many.

Appearing on the 300th episode of TV Chosun's 'Perfect Life,' Jung spoke with her close friend, actress Lee Yeong Hui, about the moments they feel the weight of their age. “I really must prepare to go now. I must live well before I go,” Jung said, adding, “I must finish my life beautifully.”

Her remarks focused not on the fear of death, but on how to live her remaining years. She expressed a desire to spend her old age without being a burden to those around her, saying, “If possible, I want to live without causing harm to others until the day I die.”

She also shared her health concerns. As she approaches her 80th birthday next year, Jung mentioned issues with hyperlipidemia and blood sugar, noting that she has dealt with leg numbness and cramping due to varicose veins for five years. However, her actual physical condition was unexpected.

While stretching at the gym, Jung demonstrated impressive flexibility, bending her upper body deeply enough for her palms to touch the floor. Her body composition test recorded a weight of 46kg, skeletal muscle mass of 18kg, and body fat mass of 10kg, with medical staff evaluating her physical condition as being at a high level. She even drew admiration from her trainer by not only walking briskly on the treadmill but also running.

The “preparation to go” mentioned by Jung, an actress in her 59th year since her debut, was not about giving up. Rather, it reflected a philosophy of remaining self-sufficient and not causing inconvenience to others until the very end. Her ability to still run and walk as she approaches 80 left a lasting impression.