Heo Young-man, hospitalized in ICU after fall; follows Choi Bul-am in leaving long-running program [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Following actor Choi Bul-am, cartoonist Heo Young-man has stepped down from a long-running program due to health issues.

Heo Young-man announced his departure from TV Chosun's "Shikgaek: Heo Young-man's Hundred-Year Journey" (hereinafter "Hundred-Year Journey") on the 17th. His company, Heo Young-man Inc., stated, "Recently, Heo Young-man experienced a health issue and is currently focusing on treatment and recovery based on medical advice. He plans to suspend all public activities for the time being and rest."

As a result, Heo Young-man will step down from "Hundred-Year Journey," which he has been appearing in for seven years since 2019. The production team of "Hundred-Year Journey" also said, "Season 1 of 'Hundred-Year Journey' has come to a grand conclusion. Due to Heo Young-man's health condition, the journey has been temporarily concluded."

Later, Heo Young-man posted a brief message on his Instagram, saying, "It was a joyful journey." However, it was later revealed that he had been hospitalized due to a fall. His side explained, "Recently, he fell and was injured, then transported to the intensive care unit. He is currently hospitalized and recovering. It is not yet a critical condition, but we are concerned. We hope for his speedy recovery."

Before Heo Young-man, Choi Bul-am also stepped down from KBS 1TV's "Korean Table," which he had hosted for 14 years. Last year, after undergoing surgery for lumbar disc herniation, he became difficult to move around and did not appear publicly after leaving the program, sparking speculation about his health.

At that time, Choi Bul-am's side stated, "He is currently hospitalized and undergoing rehabilitation treatment for recovery. Due to back problems, walking has become difficult, so he received rehabilitation treatment. He is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon."

However, recent updates on Choi Bul-am's hospitalization and treatment have also been reported. Choi Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, shared on his personal SNS on the 13th, "I visited our 'National Father' Choi Bul-am and paid a respectful visit. I was greatly relieved to be warmly welcomed with his signature 'Paha' laugh. He even said we should have a drink together once he is discharged."

With both individuals, who had been featured across the nation's tables, suddenly stepping down from their programs due to health issues, support for them continues. Given their long-standing contributions in their respective fields, there is hope that they will recover their health soon and meet again with bright smiles.

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*This content was translated by AI.