Kim Min-kyo Recounts Career-Threatening Knee Injury on '4-Person Table'

Actor Kim Min-kyo shared a harrowing experience where he nearly sustained a permanent disability after tearing his cruciate ligament during a performance.

On the April 15th broadcast of Channel A's 'Close Friends Talk - 4-Person Table,' viewers saw Park Kyung-lim visit the home of Lee Pil-mo and Seo Yeon-soo, accompanied by their university friends Lee Jong-hyuk and Kim Min-kyo.

When asked who among them achieved commercial success first, the trio unanimously pointed to Lee Jong-hyuk. Lee Pil-mo recalled anticipating Lee Jong-hyuk's success, noting his strong performances in Daehak-ro theater even back then.

Kim Min-kyo confessed that while he acknowledged the success of actors like Kim Su-ro, Lee Jong-hyuk, and Lee Pil-mo, it was when Im Hyung-jun also found fame that he questioned his own progress, humorously admitting, "I thought, 'I can't live like this.'" He expressed gratitude to his peers, who supported his transition to comedic roles on SNL, despite their classical acting backgrounds.

Park Kyung-lim then brought up Kim Min-kyo's serious injury. He explained, "I tore my cruciate ligament during a play. After surgery, I could walk but was limping. I was told I wouldn't be able to run, and even walking would be difficult." He detailed a year and a half of recovery, during which he discovered a passion for video games, leading to his creation of the 'GTA' character persona, which significantly boosted his public recognition and led to numerous endorsements.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Kim Min-kyo stated, "Looking back, the most desperate hardships often become the energy that builds within me."

Kim Min-kyo made his acting debut in the 2000 play 'King Lear,' embarking on his theatrical journey. He gained widespread popularity in the early 2010s through SNL Korea, captivating audiences with his unique comedic talent. Beyond acting, he remains an active presence on various entertainment programs.