Fans worry for actress Jeon Won-ju following slurred speech in videos

Netizens have expressed concern over the health of 87-year-old actress Jeon Won-ju after recent videos showed her with slurred speech. The actress, who previously disclosed a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment in May, appeared in footage released since the 4th by her adopted son, Kim Hyeong-geun.

As recent updates on the life of actress Jeon Won-ju (87) have been released, voices of concern regarding her health are growing due to slurred speech and previously disclosed memory loss. The changing appearance captured in recent daily life videos has drawn intense interest from netizens.

Since the 4th, short videos capturing the daily life of Jeon Won-ju have been posted sequentially on the personal channel of Kim Hyeong-geun, Jeon's adopted son and manager. The released videos include scenes of Jeon participating in a stage play held in Goheung County, Jeollanam-do, and enjoying autumn foliage. While the footage shows her remaining active both on and off the stage, some videos drew attention because her pronunciation sounded more inaccurate and slurred than usual.

In a video released on the 5th, Jeon spoke in a waiting room after a performance, saying, "Why did I act like such a penny-pincher? It was so I could stand in such a wonderful place." Although it was a natural conversation expressing her feelings after the performance, more attention was focused on her health status than other scenes in the video, as critics pointed out that her pronunciation sounded more slurred than before.

Netizens who viewed the video expressed concern, leaving comments such as, "Her pronunciation seems a bit strange. Please go to the hospital," and "Her speech is slurred." Encouragement also followed for Jeon, who continues to be active despite her advanced age, with comments like, "Please take care of your health" and "I am always rooting for you." However, as specific diseases or health abnormalities cannot be judged solely from pronunciation in a video, the online reaction is weighted toward a mix of worry and support.

The growing interest in Jeon Won-ju's health is backed by her own previous disclosure of being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Appearing on TV CHOSUN's 'Perfect Life' this past May, Jeon confessed she had been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, which is known as a pre-dementia stage. Mild cognitive impairment refers to a state where cognitive functions such as memory are declining, but the ability to perform daily activities is generally maintained. While not the same concept as dementia, it is known as a stage where changes in cognitive function need to be observed and managed.

On the MBN program 'Unforgettable Duet 2' broadcasted on the 31st of last month, Jeon also spoke candidly about her memory loss. On that day, she showed signs of being unable to properly remember a recent meeting with her actress colleague of 55 years, Kim Hyeong-ja. The situation, where memories of a colleague with whom she has maintained a relationship in the entertainment industry for a long time do not come back clearly, brought sadness not only to Jeon but also to Kim Hyeong-ja.

At the time, Kim Hyeong-ja revealed an anecdote where Jeon repeatedly asked, "Why are there so many people here?" about 20 times during their meeting. She then cautiously expressed concern, saying, "I wondered if this was an early symptom." Jeon also admitted to the decline in memory, stating, "I can't think and my memory is dropping," and when asked if she could memorize long lines, she replied, "I can't remember. When you get old, your brain doesn't spin as fast."

Born in 1939, Jeon Won-ju debuted as a first-generation open recruitment voice actress for Dong-A Broadcasting in 1963 before transitioning to acting in 1972. Having been loved by the public for her long acting career and unique, friendly image, she continues her activities through broadcasts and performances despite her old age. As health concerns regarding the recently released videos spread, voices of concern and support for Jeon, who continues to stand on stage, continue to emerge.

Read the original (Korean)