Korean Actor Kim Hee Ra, 78, Becomes Monk To Atone For Cheating On His Wife

Once known as one of South Korea’s most popular action stars, Kim Hee Ra, 78, recently revealed on a documentary programme that he was ordained as a Buddhist monk in March.

The veteran actor, who has been in showbiz for over 50 years, shared that he entered monkhood because he cheated on his wife, and is now “atoning for the wrong paths” he took.

Hee Ra married former actress Kim Soo Yeon during the peak of his career, but their marriage was not smooth-sailing. For 12 years, the couple lived mostly apart as Hee Ra was working on his business in the United States.

Hee Ra admitted to being unfaithful to Soo Yeon during those 12 years.

During an interview, his wife said: “I called him daily, and if there was someone beside him, he wouldn’t say ‘I love you’. I would tell him ‘I love you’ first, but he would stammer and just reply ‘oh’.

The same scenario repeated many times, and though Soo Yeon was aware it was because Hee Ra was in the company of another woman, there was nothing she could do about the situation given their distance.

“He did everything wrong — women, drinking, and smoking. I was in so much anguish, I could barely hear [him] at times,” added Soo Yeon.

Hee Ra’s business failed, and he began smoking and drinking heavily. The vices eventually took a toll on his body, and he collapsed after suffering a stroke.

Without hesitation, Soo Yeon booked a flight to be by Hee Ra’s side. His mobility was greatly reduced after the stroke, and for the past 25 years, he has been depending on his wife to get around.

That was when it dawned on Hee Ra the harm he had inflicted on Soo Yeon.

Stricken by guilt, Hee Ra decided to become a monk after Soo Yeon suggested it would help him in forgiving himself and finding peace.

Soo Yeon has since forgiven Hee Ra, and she now lives with him in the monastery. She revealed that Hee Ra has been dedicating all of his time to spiritual practice, and has also been sleeping while sitting upright to atone for his mistakes.