Shin Dong-wook hopes for a comeback
by javabeans
This isn’t enough to celebrate just yet, but it’s good news to be hearing about Shin Dong-wook again, even if all mentions of comebacks are vague and off in the distant future. I’d worried he might never return to acting, so it’s nice to get an update on his situation.
The Soulmate and Wish Upon a Star actor has been out of the public eye since 2011, when he was discharged early from military service upon diagnosis of a rare condition, CPRS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). It’s a chronic disease that causes extreme bouts of pain without a known cause or cure, which certainly sounds dire. (The article explains the pain caused by CPRS as registering a 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale, where childbirth ranks a 7 and cutting off a finger is an 8. I have no idea how scientifically accurate that scale is, but suffice to say it’s a serious disease.)
When Shin initially disclosed the news, he had said his health should be manageable for daily life, but given that bouts can arise suddenly and severely, it wasn’t clear whether he’d be back working on dramas anytime soon (or ever), given their famously grueling schedules and working conditions.
An entertainment news show recently reported an update after speaking with Shin Dong-wook’s reps, who confirmed that he has been receiving treatment for the disease. They’ve refrained from making public updates about his health to respect his privacy and psychological well-being, explaining that while he has no current plans for a comeback, he does intend to resume working if and when his physical condition allows.
Shin did write a message on his fan cafe earlier this year, expressing his hopes to make his comeback.
Via OBS News
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1 Aly
August 15, 2013 at 4:22 AM
I looooove this actor! He totally stole my heart in "Soulmate". I've been hoping to see him act again as a lead in a drama. :( I didn't know he had that illness though...
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Peridot
August 15, 2013 at 5:22 AM
I should probably watch Soulmate (when I have the time). I've seen bits and pieces of it. I wish the best for him.
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kdramafan
August 15, 2013 at 2:46 PM
Yes you should! It kicks off in ep 2 or 3 so bear with the first 2/3 episodes!! But then (like Que Sera Sera) it wont leave you!!! Promise!!! I watched it in one night and was feeling hopeful and happy because of this series and its realistic approach to romance. Definitely loved it! And you will too!
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Jaeminuf
August 16, 2013 at 5:58 PM
I love it. It's one of my faves. Just so refreshing. And that song. Sigh.
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skelly
August 15, 2013 at 8:22 AM
Soulmate was one of my first kdramas (watched it on JB's recommendation, LOL) and is still one of my favorites. His part could have been slimy and unlikeable, but he enthused it with warmth and charm and you just felt that he was very human.
I was so sorry about this disease, which sounded like a career-ender to me; this is great news, and I do hope that someday he can return to acting. Many, many people miss him.
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Jo
August 15, 2013 at 5:56 PM
that scene in soul mate when that girl received shampoo and she thought a ring was in it...:) I remember it time to time
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reina
August 15, 2013 at 8:46 AM
watched him and liked his other shows Wish Upon a Star, Cloud Stairecase, MOney warfare. But soulmate was where loved him. Super love him also since SOULMATE. the OST in that drama titled "C'mon Through" is still one of my faves till this day.
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kdramafan
August 15, 2013 at 2:53 PM
Yes Yes Yes!!! I loved ittttt ---sooo muchhhh---!!!! This drama left a painful desire for the big love and true friendship and the OST especially "C'mon Through" by Lasse Lindh, "After Time Passes" by Postino(the remake of this song is available in the new drama Monstar that is addicting too!) and Nouvelle Vogue "In A Manner of Speaking" are my fav's to this day!!!! Love love this series and its OST!!! Dunno why it didnt get the recognition it actually has deserved..was definitely underrated...so sad that sometimes Koreans watch dramas that are not even noteworthy(just the typical predicting romance/makjang/innocent girl/rich chaebol son-instant soup.. and miss out on such an awesome drama like Soulmate..Really sad.
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Jo
August 15, 2013 at 5:57 PM
YES. OMG, I can still sing almost all of the ost through.
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reina
August 15, 2013 at 6:15 PM
Yup, agree with you. the OST for soulmate is awesome.
when it was playing in the background, especially when she was crying in the rain (after her A** of a boyfriend broke up with her) and she dialled his number, he then answered and rather than talk he made her listen to "C'mon through" it felt like magic. I mean it did not need any explanation, you just know that it was meant to be.
The other songs are just as awesome but the "C'mon through" by Lasse Lindh feels like its comforting one her (as well as me). Until now when I feel like I need someone or feel a little lonely this song plays on repeat.
PS: OMG just read what I typed and it didn't make sense, sorry about that. Still a relief that somehow you guys understood it (or not?). My only excuse would be that I had been awake for more than 24 hours. was planning to sleep after I arrived home last night but decided to stream one of wed-thur drama. Then I ended up waiting for the raws and lurking in forums of Masters sun, 2 weeks & sword and flower.
I'm at work now, And I still haven't slept. An officemate asked why I look like I had slept drunk last night. Good things its Friday today. Will be sleeping the weekend away.
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Denali
August 15, 2013 at 10:23 AM
Ditto.
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GrandmaFran
August 15, 2013 at 11:06 AM
his character in soulmate is one of my favorites. miss this cutie. hopefully he can get back into acting soon.
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robyne
December 22, 2013 at 8:01 AM
can dramabeans find out any new news for his fans who are praying for him? it would be much appreciated!
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2 haruka
August 15, 2013 at 4:47 AM
And, I was just having my Wish Upon A Star's marathon these days. Could be this telling me something? Wishing for his comeback might just my mere selfish wish considering what he possibly will have to go through, but again, I hope we will able to see him in something in near future.
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coby
August 15, 2013 at 5:23 AM
For me, I just wrote "Soulmate" on my pad, because I was checking on the romcom list here at dramabeans and I was noting which dramas that I've not seen. yay!
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annnsow
August 15, 2013 at 12:19 PM
It's not sefish if he wants to come back as well... And apparently, if he even wrote it on his fancafe, he must really want to come back.
I wish him good luck and I hope he'll come back!
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3 nokcha
August 15, 2013 at 4:49 AM
Loved him in Soulmate and liked him in WUAS. Would love to see him return but only if he's healthy!
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4 lili
August 15, 2013 at 4:51 AM
Oh, I remember him from "Stars falling from the sky"...he was good in it, it's quite a pity that his career is being hindered by illness. I wish him the best and hope for a quick comeback onto the screen :) Fighting!!
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5 epuda
August 15, 2013 at 5:36 AM
oh good news. I liked him from Soul Mate and wondered what was happening to him? I even wrote 'Show wbiz Korea' , Arirang TV asking them what was happening to him. Either they never replied or I missed the show..I never got my answer and finally here it is!!
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6 Indi
August 15, 2013 at 5:45 AM
I really miss him :~
He was wonderful in soulmate. Hope he will be back soon, healthy and strong again.
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7 D's handphone
August 15, 2013 at 5:51 AM
Whenever he is mentioned i'd hv a flashback of that particular scene of the otp on the bench with the ost loud & clear.. i miss him so much..
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8 ck1Oz
August 15, 2013 at 5:52 AM
I just wish him good health, that's a terrible diagnosis to have. I've seen people living with chronic pain for one reason or another. It's a terrible way to live. I don't know how some of them do it. Some don't manage it as well.
So all I wish for him is continued good health. And good spirits and supportive family and friends.
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9 Lizzy4e
August 15, 2013 at 5:54 AM
It would be great if he could work again. He was a pleasure to watch.
Hope he is healed and returns to a normal life.
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10 gaeinalee
August 15, 2013 at 6:08 AM
Ohhh Shin Dong Wook... how I miss him so.
Hope he's way better now, and completely heal soon.. I could wait for him some more.. I'm patience. His health is way more important, and hope by now there's med to cure such disease.
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11 Midori
August 15, 2013 at 6:53 AM
So happy to hear any news of this actor!
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12 Elisabeth
August 15, 2013 at 7:14 AM
I sincerely hope that he's doing well. I've missed him quite a bit but health always comes first. Good luck Shin Dong Wooo! We're always thinking of you!
Thanks for the update Javabeans!
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13 sebsob
August 15, 2013 at 7:18 AM
I only just got around to watching Soulmate at the beginning of this year and when I went to find more about the actors I came upon this news. Though Shin Dong Wook's acting didn't turn me into a fangirl, there was definite talent there to work upon. However after hearing about his illness, I just can't help myself and find myself rooting for him. I just love underdog stories, and stories of struggle and determination in the face of so much difficulty. The other underdog I find myself rooting for these days is Seo In Guk and I hope that like him Shin Dong Wook is able to find prosperity after this period of tests and trials.
I wish him well, much ease, happiness and success upon success.
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14 Ceecile
August 15, 2013 at 7:24 AM
I know someone with CPRS. Not only the pain is excruciating but because you never know when it'll happen you live in constant fear of it.
She obviously can't drive but she's also scared to hold her baby in case she has an attack and dropps him.
She's dealing with it better now but before they found the right doses for her and her attacks were more frequent her life revolved around this, just terrified of when the pain would come.
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15 p3rk3le
August 15, 2013 at 7:37 AM
i'd really love to have him back in dramaland, it was sad when his illness was announced...
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16 makoto
August 15, 2013 at 7:45 AM
I wish him to get well soon. Just did googling about CRPS and it sounds dangerous. :(
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17 Loveydovey
August 15, 2013 at 7:55 AM
Soulmate 2! Soulmate 2!
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18 alua
August 15, 2013 at 8:06 AM
Poor guy. I hope he finds a way to deal with his illness as much as is possible.
Sounds like film might be a better option than dramas though, since their schedule is not as gruelling and they don't require months of commitment...
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19 SuziQ
August 15, 2013 at 8:08 AM
Thank you for the update...
Enjoyed him in Stars..I hope he will be well enough soon to return to dramaland. Fighting!
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20 huiting
August 15, 2013 at 8:08 AM
my heart skipped a beat when I read the title. it's great to hear something from him again, as long as it's good news. I know he has a passion in acting and I know he will definitely be back with great health and become stronger than ever. all the love and support and the best wishes for shin dong wook!
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huiting
August 15, 2013 at 8:09 AM
and he looked so charming in that picture. :)
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21 canxi
August 15, 2013 at 8:38 AM
Aww, man. ): Such good and sad news.
I feel bad that he has to suffer that pain but I hope that he is doing better now. Hopefully, he'll be able to make a comeback like he wants. I did like him in Soulmate (even if I didn't like the drama) and Stars Falling from the Sky. Fighting!
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22 trotwood
August 15, 2013 at 9:08 AM
This news just made me go back an reread all the Wish Upon a Star recaps! This is why I should not refresh the dramabeans page as a "work break."
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23 jess
August 15, 2013 at 9:14 AM
I hope he get well soon and make a comeback as he wished! :(
Couple of days ago my sister and I recognized him on this old dating variety show we re-watched, and we were wondering about his whereabouts because he kinda disappear after the news about his illness... so it's such a nice surprise to hear something from him now. Best wishes for Shin Dong Wook!
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24 risa
August 15, 2013 at 9:27 AM
I miss him too!
May a cure for this horrible disease be found soon (or at least a major breakthrough in treatment). In the meantime, I think it's very unlikely he'll be able to make a comeback. CRPS is very hard to treat and stress (such as from working long hours) is one of the triggers. This is just so sad. :(
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25 Abbie
August 15, 2013 at 9:35 AM
Oh man, I had no idea he was ill. This is so sad. I hope he does make a comeback, but not if it could effect his health. Health comes first, always. Take care of yourself, Shin Dong-wook! Fighting!
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26 ajewell
August 15, 2013 at 9:35 AM
Love him! Hope he's doing well and comes back. ^_^
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27 joo
August 15, 2013 at 10:47 AM
There are some smiles & talents that you just miss, and his is definitely one of them at the top of my list. TT-TT
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28 browncoat_78
August 15, 2013 at 10:59 AM
I absolutely love him even though I only saw him in Soulmate - trust me, that is enough! When I first heard about this I figured he was done. I hope that he can make a comeback!
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29 afk
August 15, 2013 at 11:21 AM
Off topic, but speaking of people who've been on a hiatus...can anyone tell me what's up with Lee Ha-na?
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30 Arhazivory
August 15, 2013 at 3:38 PM
I've been wondering about him so any update is good. Thanks DB.
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31 LordoftheThings
August 15, 2013 at 6:46 PM
I've just been imagining that he's taken time off to go search for Lee Soo-kyung, rather than battle an intensely painful and debilitating illness. Poor dude, I hope he manages to get better and make a comeback.
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32 Ginger
August 15, 2013 at 6:55 PM
I've been wondering on and off about him ever since the news of his illness broke out. Good to read any news about him and I hope they find a cure.
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33 Noelle
August 15, 2013 at 7:26 PM
The scale is accurate. It's used regularly in the medical field. It's important to know a patients pain scale in order to prescribe the right pain med. I think birth is a 10 though.
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Noelle
August 15, 2013 at 7:37 PM
Oh wait 10 is about to pass out from pain. Yeah thats horrible. Poor guy. Hopefully he can figure out a way to act again.
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34 WM
August 15, 2013 at 7:42 PM
Maybe he could do a vignette drama, one which contains 3 or 4 episodes. They seem to be doing those more frequently. Or maybe some guest spots on as many shows as he can reasonably handle, just a few episodes so it will be easier physically. How frustrating it must be to have the burning drive to do something you love, but because of circumstances beyond your control not be able to do it. I really hope he can find a way to get back to his acting.
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35 nozomi
August 15, 2013 at 7:48 PM
happy with this news. i hope he makes a comeback but not at the expense of his health!
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36 Ryeblossom
August 15, 2013 at 8:04 PM
The pain scale is inaccurate. At least not for those who don't take epidural...
If he is, indeed, living with such pain----I really really really feel sorry for him :(
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Britin
November 27, 2016 at 1:39 PM
The pain scale is not inaccurate, CRPS is indeed the worst pain and it has even been called the suicide disease. It robs a person of their life and even those with strong spirits suffer. I've had this disability for 22yrs and am only now just getting some relief via a spinal cord stimulator.
I'm also relatively late to the game as I just discovered this actor. I really enjoyed him in Stars Falling and I hope he is able to find some relief.
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37 labooboo93
August 15, 2013 at 9:53 PM
This timing is crazy! I just learned about his situation yesterday after rewatching Soulmate the past few days. I hope he does make a comeback!
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38 Justin
August 16, 2013 at 1:13 AM
He is such a great actor.. Looking forward to seeing him on the small screen once again..Get well soon and keep the faith in Him, he'll never gonna let u down.. Fighting!!
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39 Steph
August 16, 2013 at 3:50 AM
Doesn't sound accurate... My aunt said that during child birth they cut your vagina to let the baby out but by that Time it's nothing in comparison to the contractions. Suffice to say that cutting your finger off is less painful than childbirth
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irmar
June 25, 2016 at 4:19 AM
Childbirth is not the same for every woman, and even for the same woman, it's not the same all the time.
And there is this difference: with childbirth you know that it will last only a few hours and after that it will be over: you will hold your precious child and forget all about the pain.
Contractions can be handled with proper breathing etc... And women who have been cut say that the skin is so stretched at that point that it's not as painful as it sounds. If you opt for no cut, and let natural tearing, the painkiller shot for the stitching can hurt. But even that is forgotten in a jiffy when you have your baby in your arms and you feel so happy your heart is ready to burst.
So all this, which is part of a natural and joyful event, is not comparable to recurrent extreme pain which comes and goes for apparently no reason, and with no hope of ever stopping, only being controlled with drugs.
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40 ninji
August 16, 2013 at 2:26 PM
Oh no and yay!
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41 phjfever
August 21, 2013 at 8:47 AM
one of the best news for me, i've been wondering how he's been & thank God he seems to be on the road to recovery & i'm one of his biggest fans since war of money, cloud stairs, soulmate, & his latest stars falling! i've been really praying for his comeback!
thnx for this news DB/GF
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42 bmore
September 5, 2013 at 3:47 PM
I am so glad for ANY updates about this young man. Thank you so much for this note. No new information, but it is so nice to know there are people out there who have not forgotten him. I have searched for news about him many times, but there is just nothing out there. Only one FB page I could find and so few have liked it....it is very sad. I wish he would know there are many people out here thinking about him and wishing him well. And that, as a result of him, much awareness of this illness has been raised worldwide and as a result, others are also receiving prayers and well wishes from anonymous people around the world.
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robyne
September 12, 2013 at 3:24 PM
hi bernadine! thanks for always being encouraging about him!
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43 robyne
September 12, 2013 at 3:21 PM
does anyone know if there is an internet address or a real address for people to send him cards of encouragement? if so could you post it on facebook on the "please pray for shin dong wook" page? thank so much!
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44 robyne
September 12, 2013 at 3:26 PM
https://www.facebook.com/PleasePrayForShinDongWook is a page dedicated to praying for shin dong wook,
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45 xtian rei
September 18, 2013 at 11:26 AM
done watching Wish Upon A Star!! and its such a great Korean drama..
but i was wonderin why Shin Dong Wook doesn't have any show.. and i was so shocked about the news that his suffering from CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).. Too Bad! i felt sad when i heard about the news. But i'll pray to God that he'll be fine soon, so that i could see him more on TV. He was such a great actor though!
Fighting Shin Dong Wook!! Ajah!
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46 ehms_03
September 28, 2013 at 11:20 PM
hope for your faster recovery soon.. i will be praying for you always.. aja <3
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47 Dindin Chua
October 3, 2013 at 4:39 AM
Hi. Can i ask for the link for shin dong wooks fan cafe pls =)
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48 robyne
October 5, 2013 at 7:32 AM
it chokes me up when i think that his psychological well being would be affected from more frequent updates on his health. he is such a precious, sweet person, who is fighting valiantly against this disease, and i would hate for his well being to be adversely affected for even a moment. i just hopes he checks up on his fans and sees how much we love and miss him and are there with him fighting for him in prayer and be encouraged by us, not the opposite.
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49 Nena
October 27, 2013 at 12:10 AM
Get healthy and try to come back, I still keep your dramas on external drives... Nobody has smile like you.
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50 coffeenlucia
January 12, 2015 at 1:44 PM
so... is he coming back soon? I hope he feels better^-^
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