Summary of Choi Sung-won's battle with leukemia and recovery from No Eul in "Reply 1988"

Actor Choi Sung-won spoke about his two battles with acute leukemia. We'll provide a clear summary of his journey from the onset of the disease to his recovery, as well as his current activities, following his role as Sung No-eul in "Reply 1988."

Summary of Choi Sung-won's battle with leukemia and recovery from No Eul in "Reply 1988"

Who is Choi Sung-won? (Profile)
She gained attention for her role as No Eul in "Reply 1988".
The story of my two battles with leukemia
Current activities and the path to recovery
What he said about his feelings at the time on a KBS2 program
Summary of key points

Q. What kind of illness did Choi Sung-won have?

A. It is acute leukemia. I was first diagnosed in 2016, and although I recovered completely at one point, it relapsed in 2020.

Q. Is he recovering now?

A. He was declared fully recovered both times and returned to acting in a drama in 2024.

Q. Which drama is this actor from?

A. He is the actor who played the role of Song No-eul, the younger brother of the main character Song Deok-sun (played by Lee Hye-ri), in the 2015 tvN drama "Reply 1988".

1. Who is Choi Sung-won? (Profile)

Choi Sung-won is a South Korean actor who has primarily worked in musicals and plays. He is well-regarded for his singing, dancing, and comedic acting, and has steadily built his career as a supporting actor.

『応答せよ1988』ノウル役チェ・ソンウォン、白血病の闘病と回復まとめ

item	Content
name	Choi Sung-won
Real name	Choi Min-woo
date of birth	January 17, 1985
Birthplace	Seoul Metropolitan City
height	178cm
Educational background	Kookmin University, Department of Theater and Film
Main appearances	"Reply 1988", "Prison Playbook", "My ID is Gangnam Beauty", "Pyramid Game", etc.

He originally started his career as a stage actor, honing his skills in musicals such as "Trace You" and "The Goddess is Watching." His singing ability, showcased in the chorus segment of KBS2's "Men's Qualifications," attracted attention and became a springboard for his subsequent rise to fame.

2. Gaining attention for her role as No Eul in "Reply 1988"

Choi Sung-won became widely known for his appearance in the tvN drama "Reply 1988," which aired in 2015. He played the role of Sung No-eul, the younger brother of the main character, Sung Deok-sun (played by Lee Hye-ri).

Lee Hye-ri, who played the older sister, was born in 1994, making her about 10 years younger than Choi Sung-won, who was born in 1985. Despite this age difference, she played the role of the "older-looking younger brother" convincingly, and the character was loved by viewers for being relatable.

Following her impressive performance in this drama, Choi Sung-won expanded her activities to include dramas, variety shows, and more.

3. The history of my two battles with leukemia

Choi Sung-won faced a major challenge in the form of acute leukemia at a time when his acting career was on the rise.

The first onset was in 2016. At the time, she was participating in the filming of the JTBC drama "Mirror of the Witch," but when she visited the hospital to have a bruise she sustained during filming examined, a thorough examination revealed acute leukemia. Early detection is said to be difficult in younger generations, so it was a fortunate coincidence that she went to the hospital. After receiving the diagnosis, she withdrew from the drama to focus on treatment.

As a result of treatment, she was declared fully recovered in December 2016 and resumed her activities in stage and television dramas the following year, 2017.

However, in November 2020, it was reported that his acute leukemia had relapsed. At the time, the news of a relapse after approximately four years caused concern among many fans and those involved in his life. After battling the disease for about two years, he was once again diagnosed as fully recovered.

season	event
2015	She appeared as Sung No-eul in tvN's "Reply 1988".
2016	She was diagnosed with acute leukemia during filming of "Mirror of the Witch" and had to leave the project.
December 2016	Received a diagnosis of complete recovery from leukemia.
2017	Resuming activities in stage and television dramas
November 2020	Acute leukemia relapse
Approximately 2 years	Focus on treatment and receive a complete recovery assessment again.
2024	Returning to acting career with a drama appearance

4. Current activities and the path to recovery

Having overcome two battles with illness, Choi Sung-won made a full-fledged return to acting in February 2024, appearing in the TVING original drama "Pyramid Game" as homeroom teacher Lim Ju-hyun.

In 2025, she shared updates on her daily life along with photos on her social media. Although she appeared slightly thinner than before, she showed a gentle smile, and fans expressed relief at her recovery. In the same year, she also participated in a gathering to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the broadcast of "Reply 1988," and reunited with her co-stars.

Despite having overcome two serious illnesses, his continued dedication to his acting career has inspired many people.

5. Her feelings at the time as described on a KBS2 program

In August 2026, a preview video for the KBS2 variety show "Happy Together: You're Not Alone, That's Happiness" was released, featuring Choi Sung-won alongside actors Park Hae-soo, Lim Cheol-soo, and Park Jae-yoon. The four are known for their deep friendship, which they have shared for many years.

During the interview, Choi Sung-won reflected on her battle with leukemia, saying, "I got sick in 2016, and then it relapsed." She then choked up as she said, "It was really tough. I don't even want to remember it anymore."

His close friend, Lim Cheol-soo, also shared his feelings at the time, saying, "I was truly shocked. I cried many times as I walked." Choi Sung-won expressed his deep gratitude to his friends, saying, "If it weren't for my friends, I think I would be living a much lonelier life than I am now."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What was Choi Sung-won's illness?

A. I have acute leukemia. I have had it twice, in 2016 and 2020.

Q2. How was the leukemia discovered?

A. In 2016, it was discovered by chance during a detailed examination when I went to get a medical checkup for a bruise I sustained while filming the drama "Mirror of the Witch."