In a recent episode of Chae Jung-an's YouTube channel, the singer and actress Jang Na Ra shocked fans with a confession of having fought against gastric ulcers and intestinal perforation.
Recalling her difficult performing days in a Dec. 12 interview, Jang said, as quoted by OSEN: "I was always tired," and she shared that her liver function tests were "not the best." She recalled how her health problems had affected her personal life, in particular, her profession
The pair also reflected on their high school memories and how each of them became famous, and Jang expressed her heart for all the help throughout the years.
"There were people who helped me wherever I went, so I had nothing but gratitude," she said. "It's the same now. The reason I keep working is because there are many people who are better than me, but just getting work is a blessing in itself."
In response, Jang Na Ra, who received much attention at the time for her portrayal of star lawyer Cha Eun-Kyung in the SBS drama "Good Partner," shared her ambiguous feelings about how her career had developed.
"It was fun to flesh out the character at the beginning, but my acting didn't get any better, so I thought, 'Is this the end?'" she admitted.
The actress also looked back on her personal life, including her husband, who is a cinematographer six years younger than her. While filming, however, there was a moment when she wondered if she should still be acting. Her husband prompted her to keep going, saying, "I think it'll be sad." That conversation fueled Jang to keep pushing in her career.
Jang Na Rra made her singing debut in 2001 with her first album titled "I Bury My Face in Tears," and right after, she made the list of household names through several TV drama hit songs. She shot to fame after starring in the 2002 SBS drama "Successful Story of a Bright Girl," and has since been featured in the hit series Confession Couple, The Last Empress and Family.
She became a Hallyu star in 2006 after appearing in the Chinese drama "Princess Diaoman."
Despite suffering various health issues, Jang continues to be loved by the entertainment industry and remains an inspiration to many with her perseverance and commitment to her profession.
