91-year-old Shin Gu remains a witty drinker after heart failure surgery

Actor Shin Gu has captured attention by showcasing his unchanging sense of humor and love for alcohol, even after undergoing pacemaker implantation due to heart failure.

In a preview for the 153rd episode of the YouTube channel 'Zzanbro,' released on the 6th, Shin Gu appeared as a guest alongside actors Jo Dal-hwan and Lee Sang Yoon, who are currently starring in the play 'The Merchant of Venice.' At 91 years old, Shin brought laughter throughout the recording with his characteristic, relaxed wit.

During the session, Shin Dong Yup cautiously inquired about Shin's age, prompting Jo Dal-hwan to note, "He had his 90th birthday celebration last year." Shin responded with a calm yet hearty laugh, saying, "I've grown that old before I knew it," instantly lightening the mood.

When the conversation turned to alcohol, Shin's wit truly shone. "Alcohol should be enjoyed by those who drink it," he remarked, adding, "And among all kinds, free alcohol tastes the best," drawing bursts of laughter from the cast.

Jo Dal-hwan shared another anecdote from a previous drinking session with the veteran actor. "I asked him, 'Sir, having a drink is still your greatest happiness, right?' and he replied, 'That's not important. The happiest moment is when I open the door to the bar to enter, and the saddest is when I open the door to leave,'" Jo recounted. The set erupted in laughter at the response, which perfectly captured Shin's signature composure.

When Shin Dong Yup asked how the drinks tasted that day, Shin expressed his satisfaction, noting, "It's perfect. It's refreshing because it's hot." The preview concluded with the cast moving from their first round of drinks straight into a second round.

Shin's spirited appearance drew significant interest as it recalled his previous health struggles. In 2022, he was rushed to the emergency room during a performance of the play 'The Last Session,' where he was diagnosed with heart failure and subsequently underwent pacemaker implantation.

In 2023, Shin appeared on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' to explain his condition. "When they tested me in the emergency room, my heart was beating much slower than normal," he recalled. "I was told that if left alone, the lack of oxygen supply could lead to a stroke." He continued, "Now I am wearing a pacemaker. If the heart beats slowly, the device automatically provides stimulation to maintain a normal rhythm." He left a lasting impression with a characteristic joke: "They say the battery lasts about 8 to 10 years, but by then, I won't be around, so it's enough." However, given his history of heart failure and pacemaker implantation, experts note that alcohol consumption at an advanced age requires careful medical management and professional advice. This video serves as a preview of Shin enjoying a social gathering; his specific alcohol consumption levels or current health status have not been disclosed in detail.

Shin is currently performing in 'The Merchant of Venice' alongside Jo Dal-hwan and Lee Sang Yoon. The production will run at the Haeoreum Grand Theater of the National Theater of Korea in Seoul from the 8th to August 9th.