jasdooit

A ‘first-generation theater star’ actor, Yoon Seok-hwa, passed away on the 19th. It has been roughly two years since it was disclosed that she was suffering from a malignant brain tumor. Yoon Seok-hwa’s fight against cancer was unique. Even when all her front teeth were lost, she managed to beat cancer using natural treatment while maintaining her ‘Yoon Seok-hwa-ness.’

Even if I have only one day left, I wish to live and pass away in my own Yoon Seok-hwa manner.

In August 2023, Yoon Seok-hwa revealed her struggle with a brain tumor during an interview with “Woman Sense.” Following her performance in the play “Hamlet” in 2022, she collapsed while on a business trip in the UK and was quickly taken back to Seoul. A sudden brain tumor was detected, resulting in a surgery that lasted more than 20 hours.

After leaving the intensive care unit and regaining awareness, Yoon Seok-hwa took a courageous step: she decided against receiving cancer treatment. She convinced her treating doctor, stating, “Living in the hospital like this isn’t who I am. Even if I have just one day left, please let me live and pass away in my own Yoon Seok-hwa manner.” The attending physician, a genuine fan who had seen the play “Guys and Dolls,” which starred Yoon Seok-hwa, eight times, comprehended her emotions.

It wasn’t just any form of cancer; it was a brain tumor. To be honest, I found it amusing.

Following her discharge from the hospital, Yoon Seok-hwa participated in an interview with Channel A in October 2023. This marked her initial media appearance since being diagnosed with a brain tumor. She remained composed as she said, “I was somewhat surprised. It wasn’t just any form of cancer; it was a brain tumor. To be honest, I ended up laughing.”

Yoon Seok-hwa shared her decision to opt for natural healing instead of anticancer treatment. She stated, “I had radiation therapy, and my weight decreased to 36 kg,” and mentioned, “In the hospital, nurses would administer injections at 5 or 6 a.m. Each day would begin with me crying out in pain.” She added, “How much longer could I live? I didn’t want to start each morning resenting someone. That wasn’t living. I wanted to live genuinely, even if just for a week. Most importantly, I wanted to spend time with my cherished children as much as I desired.”

It was my daughter in faith who restored me.

A month later, on November 19th, a video of Yoon Seok-hwa’s testimony was shared via the YouTube channel of Eden Church, which is connected to the Presbyterian Church of Korea. Despite having lost all her front teeth, Yoon Seok-hwa appeared with a radiant smile. It is reported that all four of her front teeth were lost during brain tumor surgery because they could not endure the anesthesia tube.

Yoon Seok-hwa introduced herself by stating, “I have devoted more than 50 years exclusively to theater, but unexpectedly, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor a year ago and have been fighting it ever since.” She continued, “After waking up from a surgery that lasted more than 20 hours, I couldn’t even stand up while someone held my hand,” and “At that moment, I didn’t believe I would ever be able to stand on my own again.”

Nevertheless, she noted that there was a time when she could go to the bathroom by herself. Yoon Seok-hwa stated, “For most people, this is normal, but for someone who is unwell, it isn’t. It was incredible and unexpected.” She added, “It was my daughter of faith who restored my health,” and “I constantly pray with my daughter of faith. Through these prayers, I have made significant progress,” expressing an uplifting message.

Throughout the end, Yoon Seok-hwa never lost her ‘touch for life.’ These were her words in the interview with “Woman Sense”:

I wish for all of us to lead magnificent lives. It’s not about wealth, but rather about perspective and outlook. If you have the time to read a single book or poem that enables you to contemplate, even just once a week, you can experience a splendid life.