Jeon Won-ju reveals memory loss to friend of 55 years

Actress Jeon Won-ju showed signs of memory loss during a preview for the MBN music variety program 'Unforgettable Duet 2', which premieres on the 31st. The footage shows Jeon struggling to recall past memories while facing her long-time friend Kim Hyeong-ja.

Actress Jeon Won-ju, known for her cheerful wit, has drawn sympathy by showing signs of memory loss in front of her friend of 55 years, Kim Hyeong-ja. Facing a reality where even long-held memories are fading, Jeon confessed, "I don't remember," leaving Kim unable to hide her sadness. Attention is focused on how the friendship between the two, who have shared a lifetime, will continue in the face of the challenges of dementia.

MBN music variety program 'Unforgettable Duet 2' released a preview for its first episode ahead of its premiere on the 31st. The video features Jeon Won-ju, who has been loved in the entertainment industry for her bright energy and outspoken personality. However, her appearance in the preview differs significantly from the cheerful image familiar to the public, as scenes showing her struggling to recall memories and wearing cautious expressions weigh heavily on viewers.

The most striking scene shows Jeon Won-ju and Kim Hyeong-ja looking at something containing memories from their past. When Kim asks if she remembers, Jeon appears to fall into thought before answering, "I don't remember." Even when Kim follows up by asking, "You don't?", Jeon shakes her head and says, "It doesn't come back well." Despite the brief dialogue, the emotions flowing between the two long-time friends are clearly conveyed.

Upon hearing Jeon's response, Kim Hyeong-ja showed a complex expression. Expressing a mix of disappointment and sorrow, she said, "I guess I'm the only one who knows. It seems you've forgotten, unnie." It is heartbreaking that while she holds onto the memories of laughing and crying together for a long time, the very protagonist of those memories cannot recall them clearly. The conversation leaves a deep impression by showing not only the pain of the person losing their memory but also the pain of the person watching those changes from the side.

Dementia is not limited to simply forgetting past events. For the individual, it can be an experience where their familiar daily life and sense of self are shaken, and for family and close acquaintances, it brings the difficulty of accepting changes in relationships. Particularly between friends who have built up long-standing memories, the moment one fails to remember can lead to an even greater sense of loss. This is why the short exchange between the two in the preview feels especially poignant.

'Unforgettable Duet' is a music variety program where a participant losing their memory completes a song of their life together with a precious person. Rather than being a stage to simply compete in singing skills, it places significance on reflecting on human relationships through music and memories. Interest is gathering on the stages the participants will create, as emotions that are difficult to express fully in words can be conveyed through the songs they sing together.

This season features Jeon Won-ju and Kim Hyeong-ja, known as representative close friends in the entertainment industry. The two have maintained their connection for 55 years, sharing joys and sorrows both inside and outside the industry. Having spent such a long time together, they are special beings who have shared many scenes of life beyond being mere colleagues. Attention is focused on what stories they will tell as they face the reality of changing memories.

While Jeon Won-ju's struggle to recall memories brings sadness, there is a hope that this broadcast will not portray her solely as a person losing her memory. This is because even if memories fade, the time they lived and the meaning of their relationships do not disappear. The process of a long-time friend staying by her side and singing together can itself remain as another precious moment for the two.

Expectations are high for what life songs Jeon Won-ju and Kim Hyeong-ja will choose and complete on 'Unforgettable Duet 2', which premieres on the 31st. Even if they cannot clearly remember every moment of the past, the feelings toward one another do not necessarily disappear. Attention is drawn to what kind of friendship and comfort the two, who have been together for 55 years, will convey to viewers through music.

Read the original (Korean)