Actor Choo Young Woo recently made headlines not just for his role at the prestigious 62nd Baeksang Arts Awards, but for his unexpected appearance wearing an eye patch.
On May 8, 2026, the actor took the stage at the COEX D Hall in Gangnam, Seoul, serving as a presenter for the Best New Actor (Television) and the Young Theater Award.
While he carried out his duties with professionalism, the visible medical patch over his left eye immediately sparked concern and widespread speculation among fans and attendees alike.
To address the growing curiosity and worry, his management agency, J-Wide Company, issued a prompt official statement on May 9, 2026.
The agency clarified the circumstances surrounding the injury, reassuring the public that the situation was far from a serious medical emergency.
According to the label, the injury was the result of a minor accident that occurred during the actor’s personal time rather than a complication from a set or a major health crisis.
The Cause of the Injury and the Agency’s Health Update
The agency revealed that the injury took place on the very day of the awards ceremony.
Choo Young Woo apparently sustained a bruise while engaging in physical activity. Specifically, an official from J-Wide Company stated,
“He suffered a minor bruise around his eye during exercise, but there is no major issue with his health.”
The agency further explained that the actor had taken immediate “necessary measures” and medical precautions before deciding to proceed with his scheduled appearance at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
Despite the injury, Choo Young Woo was determined to fulfill his commitment as a presenter.
The agency’s update emphasized that while the patch was necessary for protection and healing, it did not indicate any underlying debilitation.
In their follow-up regarding his future activities, J-Wide Company noted that “his schedule will continue within a manageable range” and confirmed that “his schedule will proceed without overexertion.”
This suggests that while he may take it slightly easier in the coming days, his ongoing professional projects will not face significant delays.
A Return to the Baeksang Stage and Future Projects
Choo Young Woo’s presence at this year’s ceremony was particularly meaningful as it marked his return to the stage where he was honored just a year prior.
At the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards in 2025, he won the Best New Actor award for his standout performance in the JTBC drama The Tale of Lady Ok (also known as The Story of Lady Ok).
Transitioning from a winner to a presenter is a traditional rite of passage at the awards, and fans praised his dedication for showing up to support his colleagues despite the physical discomfort of a recent injury.
Looking ahead, Choo Young Woo has a busy year in front of him, which explains the agency’s focus on a “manageable” schedule.
He is set to star in several highly anticipated productions, including the ENA drama Love Doctor and the Netflix series Long Vacation (also referred to in some reports as Square).
Additionally, he is expected to appear in tvN’s Gyeonwoo and Seonnyeo.
His agency’s quick communication has successfully calmed the “eye patch rumors,” allowing the focus to shift back to his rising career and his reputation as one of the most promising young talents in the Korean entertainment industry.
Fans have since flooded social media with well-wishes, hoping for a “speedy recovery” so he can return to filming his upcoming roles without the medical patch.