Actor Lee Min-ho speaks during tvN's "You Quiz on the Block," which aired on Wednesday. Courtesy of tvN

Actor Lee Min-ho shared memories of a devastating car accident he experienced at the age of 20 during an appearance on tvN's "You Quiz on the Block," aired on Wednesday.

Lee recounted the 2006 accident, which occurred while he was traveling to Gangwon Province with his close friend, actor Jung Il-woo.

Their vehicle collided with a drunk driver's car that had crossed the center line, resulting in a major accident. Lee sustained serious injuries, including a broken thighbone and torn cartilage, requiring seven months of recovery and nearly a year in the hospital.

"The accident made major news in Gangwon Province because it was fatal," he said. "Everyone in the perpetrator's vehicle lost their lives. I spent almost a year confined to the hospital, unable to do anything but lie down."

Lee reflected on the emotional toll the accident took on him during what he described as a formative time in his life.

"I had just become an adult, full of dreams and ambitions. Suddenly, everything came to a halt. All I could do was think. I went through denial, anger, depression and eventually acceptance," he said.

While Lee remained hospitalized, Jung Il-woo, who also suffered injuries in the crash and was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, recovered more quickly and rose to fame through the sitcom "High Kick!"

Lee admitted to experiencing mixed emotions as he watched his friend achieve stardom.

"I hated myself for feeling that way," Lee confessed. "I wanted to cheer for him and celebrate his success wholeheartedly, but part of me felt impatient. I wanted to be recognized and make my mark in society, too. I wondered why I couldn't fully celebrate for my friend and felt conflicted."

Actor Lee Min-ho / Courtesy of tvN

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.