Jeong Yi-rang Breaks Down in Tears After Praying for Two Years for Friend With Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer

Actress Jeong Yi-rang moved viewers by taking the stage with a high school classmate who had been diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer and had lived through a life-or-death battle. The story of Jeong, who stayed by her friend’s side and continued praying for her for two years, and her friend Sim U-ri, who endured chemotherapy and multiple major surgeries, left a deep impression on the audience.

The episode of TV Chosun’s entertainment program "Lovers of Joseon" that aired on July 6 was presented as "Lovers of Joseon Singing Contest," a three-part special project marking the show’s fifth anniversary. Rather than focusing only on competition, the broadcast introduced stories filled with the lives, families and friendships of its participants, drawing sympathy from viewers.

Among them, the story that resonated most strongly was that of actress Jeong Yi-rang and her high school friend Sim U-ri. The two prepared a performance rooted in a friendship that had lasted for many years, and the story revealed before they went on stage made the atmosphere on set solemn.

Sim U-ri first introduced herself by saying, "I am Sim U-ri, who was able to live again thanks to Jeong Yi-rang." She then expressed profound gratitude, adding, "Yi-rang is the friend who saved my life."

As the unexpected confession drew the attention of the cast, Jeong Yi-rang calmly explained the years her friend had lived through.

Jeong said, "My friend had dreamed of becoming a singer since she was young. She loved music so much that she graduated from a department of practical music, but because of marriage and various realities of life, she had to set that dream aside for a while."

She continued, "Just when her life had become somewhat stable and she was about to perform again and resume musical activities through an office-worker band, she was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer." The revelation saddened those listening.

The sudden cancer diagnosis completely changed Sim U-ri’s life. Sim shared that after receiving the stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis in August 2023, she had to endure an extremely difficult treatment process over the next two years.

She recalled calmly, "The struggle with illness was truly not easy. After I was diagnosed, I underwent three open abdominal surgeries over two years, and I also completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy."

Sim went on, "It was an incredibly difficult time, both physically and mentally, but every time, Yi-rang stayed by my side. For two years, she prayed with me and for me, and I think I was able to survive because of that." As she spoke, her eyes filled with tears.

Sim then conveyed her sincere feelings toward the friend who had supported her without wavering for such a long time, saying, "That is why I am so grateful, and I will live with gratitude for the rest of my life."

She also said, "My treatment has been wrapped up well, and because Yi-rang invited me to such a wonderful stage, I was able to fulfill my lifelong dream. I am so moved that I even feel as if I have lived in order to stand on this stage." Her words touched the hearts of those watching.

The two completed their performance with deep trust and friendship for each other. After the song ended, emotions they had not been able to express seemed to pour out all at once. They looked at each other and shed warm tears, and their heartfelt embrace, shaped by the long period of illness and waiting they had endured together, filled the set with emotion.

The cast members also struggled to continue speaking after hearing the two friends’ story. The performance became more than a simple contest stage; it turned into a special moment that invited viewers to reflect on life, hope and the meaning of friendship.

Jeong Yi-rang’s devotion, especially the way she stayed with her friend through illness until the end and became a source of emotional support, left a lasting resonance. Rather than thinking first of a glamorous stage, she worried about her friend’s life, remained by her side throughout the long treatment process, and continued offering prayers and encouragement. Her sincerity drew viewers’ empathy as an example of what true friendship can mean.

Sim U-ri, who overcame grueling chemotherapy and three open abdominal surgeries, also sang of new hope by standing on stage again without giving up her dream. The tears the two friends shed together symbolized recovery and gratitude after a time of despair, making the scene one that completed the deepest emotional impact of the day’s broadcast and left a lingering afterglow.