Actress Jeon Won-ju reveals diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment

Actress Jeon Won-ju (87) has personally disclosed that she has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, expressing anxiety regarding her changing memory. This comes as she faces moments where she cannot readily recall memories with acquaintances she has known for many years. Revealing the fear she has hidden behind her characteristic energetic persona, Jeon expressed a determination to live life fully, stating she wants to cherish the present moments spent with precious people.

In the first broadcast of MBN's 'Unforgettable Duet 2' on the 31st, the process of Jeon Won-ju and her friend of 55 years, actress Kim Hyeong-ja, preparing a special duet stage will be revealed. As the two rekindle their long-standing friendship and memories through music, the program will candidly capture Jeon's recent memory decline and her emotional response to it.

Singer James Moosong Lee will appear as the first 'Memory Singer' of Season 2 for Jeon Won-ju. Lee shared the special bond he shares with her, noting that Jeon was a long-time friend of his mother and had helped raise him since he was a child, calling her "Jeon Won-ju Ajumma." He revealed that Jeon and his mother have been friends for 70 years, making their meeting particularly meaningful due to their family-like closeness.

Lee also recalled the warmth Jeon showed during his singing career. He reminisced about the time he won the 'Top 10 Songs' Golden Cup in 1993, ten years after his debut with the song "What Is Life?", noting that despite being in the middle of filming the drama 'Love on the Jujube Tree', Jeon rushed to congratulate him and his mother. Her decision to set aside her busy filming schedule to celebrate them has remained an unforgettable memory for him after all these years.

However, when faced with photos containing memories of her friend, Jeon showed initial joy but was soon unable to clearly recall the situations at the time. Her inability to even remember a recent meeting with Kim Hyeong-ja caused concern among those around her. Kim Hyeong-ja and James Moosong Lee helped guide Jeon's memory by explaining the circumstances step by step, and as the stories unfolded and memories began to resurface, Jeon began to smile brightly.

Jeon spoke candidly about her changing memory, stating, "Lately, I can't recognize people quickly." She added, "I met someone recently, but I can't remember it well. My memory is gradually declining," before confessing, "I was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, which is a pre-dementia stage." She explained that she is feeling the changes herself as it becomes a daily occurrence to not recognize people she has known for a long time or to forget moments they shared.

More than just the decline in memory, what frightens Jeon most is the anxiety that she might forget the time she has lived and the precious people within it. "I was scared and frightened by the anxiety that I might forget my past life and precious people," she confessed. The thought that the connections and memories she has built throughout her life could fade appears to have placed a significant psychological burden on her.

Nevertheless, Jeon showed a determination not to remain stuck only in grasping past memories. She explained her reason for appearing on the program, saying, "But I felt I had to leave my present self with precious people. I wanted to deeply engrave the memories I hold now." She then released her characteristic energetic spirit, shouting, "Jeon Won-ju isn't dead yet! It starts from now!" Her honest admission of the fear of losing her memory, combined with her resolve to live her current life actively, is expected to resonate with viewers.

The broadcast will also reveal the daily life of Jeon Won-ju, who, despite being 87, exercises regularly for her health and enjoys singing. She will visit her alma mater, Sookmyung Women's University, to look back on her school days, and tell stories ranging from her mother, who devoted her life to her daughter, to her journey of enduring approximately 30 years of obscurity after her career as a voice actress to becoming a national actress.

It was reported that Jeon Won-ju received a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment after undergoing an MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) and a brain CT scan, which caused public concern. Mild cognitive impairment is a state where cognitive decline is observed, but the ability to perform daily activities is generally maintained, and not all patients progress to dementia. As Jeon directly shares her condition and emotions through the broadcast, her appearance is expected to serve as an opportunity to reflect on memory, relationships, and the meaning of life when facing old age, beyond a mere personal confession from an actress.

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