Jo Kwon (趙權), a member of K-pop group 2AM, recently spoke on a program about the challenging period when both his parents were undergoing cancer treatment. He confessed that during his mandatory military service, he not only struggled to earn an income but also had to care for his parents, leading to immense physical, mental, and financial pressure. He expressed deep gratitude for the timely assistance he received from veteran actress Kim Hye-soo (金憓秀).
In an episode of the YouTube show “Shinyeoseong” (신여성) released on the 8th, Jo Kwon appeared as a guest to discuss his career transition from singer to musical actor and shared the profound connection he has with Kim Hye-soo.
Jo Kwon explained that he first met Kim Hye-soo while starring in the drama “The Queen of Office.” Since then, Kim Hye-soo has consistently attended his musical performances to show her support. “She has always been very supportive of me, and because my musicals are usually more performance-oriented, she seems to really enjoy them,” Jo Kwon revealed, adding that Kim Hye-soo even watched his performance in “Priscilla” about three or four times.
He recalled a scene where his character made a first appearance, descending from the air on wires. “She seemed to really like the character I played. Every time she came to watch, she would tell me, ‘My dear, you did really well.’”
However, Jo Kwon disclosed that their bond truly deepened during his military service, a period when both his parents were simultaneously undergoing cancer treatment. “When I went to the military, my mother was diagnosed with cancer, and my father also had cancer, so Kim Hye-soo helped me with that as well.”
He stated that his mother was diagnosed with melanoma and even underwent toe amputation surgery, while his father battled colorectal cancer and had four surgeries. “So, I was barely able to work last year. As an only child, I had to take care of my parents, and my time in the military was the hardest period for me.”
In addition to his parents' health, Jo Kwon faced multiple pressures regarding his finances and career. He admitted, “I couldn’t earn money at that time, and it was also when my company’s contract renewal was due, and my enlistment notice arrived. It was truly very difficult.”
Speaking about his parents' current health, Jo Kwon mentioned that while they are still somewhat frail, their cancer treatments have concluded, and they are now undergoing continuous follow-up examinations.
Reflecting on that low point in his life, Jo Kwon expressed particular gratitude to Kim Hye-soo. He revealed that she knew he was in a very difficult situation and told him, “I just hope you don’t get sick and can be healthy when you are discharged from the military.” Jo Kwon said that Kim Hye-soo helped him in many ways during that time, and he remains deeply touched by her warmth and support to this day.
