Actor Lee Je Hoon, currently best known for his Taxi Driver series, was reportedly hospitalized and had to receive emergency surgery last week.

Lee Je Hoon | @leejehoon_official/Instagram

Korean media outlet OSEN reported on October 17 that the actor had to undergo emergency surgery at a hospital in Seoul, followed by two weeks of inpatient treatment to heal his condition of ischemic colitis.

According to Lee’s agency, he had to be hospitalized on October 1, late at night, due to sudden abdominal pain. The doctors found an abnormality with his colon and diagnosed him with ischemic colitis, a condition where blood flow to the large intestine is suddenly reduced. The disease can affect individuals to varying degrees, but its potential subsequent complications pose a high risk to the patient’s health.

Due to this sudden health crisis, Lee Je Hoon had to step down from his role as the host of the opening ceremony of the 28th Busan International Film Festival, which occurred on October 4, 2023. He also halted filming his new MBC drama, Chief Inspector: The Beginning, which is slated to be on air next year.

The emergency surgery on October 1 reportedly continued till dawn, but fortunately, it was successful in treating his disease. After the following rounds of treatment, Lee Je Hoon’s health has been said to recover quickly. The actor was discharged from the hospital last week and is now finishing his recovery at home. His agency, COMPANY ON, has stated that the actor’s health is the top priority for them at this moment, but after he is completely healed, he will continue his projects.

 His agency has shared an update.