Heo Ji-woong "After Battling Malignant Lymphoma, I've Grown Interested in Small Things... I'm Very Happy"

Published 20 Aug.2020 10:32(KST)

Writer Heo Ji-woong appeared on SBS PowerFM's 'Kim Young-chul's PowerFM' on the 20th and had a conversation with host Kim Young-chul. Photo by SBS PowerFM 'Kim Young-chul's PowerFM' broadcast capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Min Jun-young] Writer Heo Ji-woong expressed happiness about his life after battling malignant lymphoma.

On the 20th, Heo Ji-woong appeared on SBS PowerFM's 'Kim Young-chul's PowerFM' and shared his recent status following his fight against malignant lymphoma.

During the broadcast, host Kim Young-chul asked Heo Ji-woong, "Since your battle with malignant lymphoma in 2018, has anything changed between before and after your illness?"

Heo Ji-woong replied, "When I look inside myself, it seems the same," adding, "There are always parts in the news that make me angry."

He continued, "Because the world doesn't get warmer, I can't see things more warmly either. What has changed a bit is that I realized I can't change big things. In the past, I wanted to change something, so I spoke more strongly. I thought I had to speak strongly to make a change. But that attachment has disappeared. Now, I am more interested in small things like neighbors or people I face directly," he said.

He added, "These days, I am very happy. Whether choosing lunch menus or carefully writing the daily radio opening, I feel joy. My life is full of happiness."

Heo Ji-woong also responded to a listener's story expressing fatigue and boredom with daily life, saying, "If you think a little more, isn't there something you want to achieve through the repetitive, wheel-like days?" He added, "Especially, many of us tend to take earning a living lightly and think of it as something basic and pass by it, but I don't think so."

He continued, "I believe earning a living is the greatest task and achievement a person experiences during their life," and added, "I hope people don't think too little of themselves while earning a living. Also, I hope people empathize with the weight of others' livelihoods. Because earning a living is the same for everyone."