When glamorous actress Lee Si Young decided she wanted to become a boxer she pursued that sport with passion and determination. But a shoulder injury recently left the actress unable to participate in the National Sports Festival and made her question whether or not to continue as a boxer.
"Although I thought I might box one last time and worked hard to exercise for it, I have yet to fully recover from the last National Sports Festival when I dislocated my shoulder," she said in a letter to her fans.
She very much wanted to participate in this year's National Sports Festival.
Lee began to box while preparing for a role as a female boxer in the MBC drama but discovered that she really liked it.
"I kept it up as a hobby and was told that I had potential, so I trained really hard," she told the Chosun Ilbo. "Boxing changed who I am. I became more honest and extroverted, with more self-confidence."
Her agency tried to talk her out of boxing but she would not give up. She participated in several amateur boxing matches and tried out for the national women's boxing team. In 2013 she became the goodwill ambassador for the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon and joined the Incheon City Boxing team. Surgery for a slipped disc and a knee injury halted her training program.
"People always ask me why an actress like me started in the ring," she said after making the finals round for the 48kg category at the 2013 National Athlete Contest. "When I do have boxing matches, I am nervous but I was able to endure it, not caring whether I win or lose. Now I feel like I have nothing to be scared of. Boxing has become another dream of mine."
Her agency, J Wide Company, said that the "Boys Over Flowers," "Playful Kiss," "Wild Romance" and "Golden Cross" actress has yet to decide if her boxing career is over.
She very much wanted to represent Korea at the Incheon Asian Games. But her disappointment did not keep her from cheering on her fellow teammates.
"Our Incheon athletes will surely gain the results they want and deseve after working hard for this National Sports Festival," she said. "As someone affiliated with Incheon, I will watch the athletes gather victories and advance toward the goal of winning. Although I cannot be there with you, cheering together, my heart will be with Incheon's boxing."
Despite not being able to participate, she donated almost $10,000 to the Incheon Athletic Association. The money will be used to improve the association's equipment and facilities.
