The “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” Actor Who Gave Up 70% Of His Liver To His Mother Reveals He’s Exempt From The Military

Actor Lee Joo Ahn (29), who gained major attention through his role as Gonggil in the tvN weekend drama“Bon Appétit, Your Majesty,” has shared the moving story of undergoing a liver transplant surgery to save his mother.

In an interview with SPOTV News recently, Lee Joo Ahn revealed, “Actually, I was exempt from the military. When I was 22, I donated part of my liver to my mother. After that, I was granted military exemption,” drawing attention.

“Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” tells the story of Michelin-starred chef Yeon Jiyeong (played by Im Yoona) who time-slips 500 years into the Joseon era, where she encounters tyrant King Lee Heon (played by Lee Chaemin), who possesses an extraordinary sense of taste. Lee Joo Ahn took on the role of Gonggil, a court jester beloved by the king who is secretly an assassin, adding tension to the drama.

Debuting in 2018 with the drama “Sky Castle,” Lee Joo Ahn has built his acting experience through projects such as “Save Me 2,” “Sweet Munchies,” “True Beauty,” and “Fantasy Sonata.” Now at 30, he is beginning to gain broad recognition with his performance in “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty.”

Recalling the critical moment when his mother’s health deteriorated, he said, “My mother’s liver had always been weak. Suddenly, she developed cirrhosis, and I was told she had lost consciousness, so I rushed to the hospital. The doctors said an emergency surgery was necessary, and I agreed to undergo the transplant.”

The surgery required him to donate 70% of his liver—a massive operation. Fortunately, his mother’s condition steadily improved after the surgery. She is now living healthily, watching and supporting her son’s drama from home.

He shared, “Now, I just feel happy. My mom is so pleased. For the first time, I feel like she can proudly tell others, ‘My son is an actor.’ Hearing people recognize Gonggil from ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’ reassures me, even from afar,” he said with a smile.

He added, “It’s all thanks to the viewers who enjoyed the show. I’m deeply grateful to everyone. I’ll keep working hard and want to greet you through many great projects in the future.”

Source: (A)