Actor Lee Jin Wook surprised fans by sharing details about his extreme allergy to alcohol during a recent YouTube appearance. The Esquire star explained how even small amounts of alcohol in unexpected products cause strong physical reactions.
Lee Jin Wook’s Unexpected Alcohol Allergy
On August 2, Lee Jin Wook appeared on Yoo Yeon Seok’s YouTube show Weekend Yeon Seok Drama alongside co-star Jung Chae Yeon. The conversation took an unexpected turn when Lee revealed he has never consumed alcohol due to a severe allergy.
“I’ve never drunk alcohol in my life. It’s not because I quit drinking – I just can’t drink at all,” Lee told his surprised co-hosts.
The actor shared a humorous yet concerning incident where he accidentally consumed alcohol through chocolate. “One time, I ate chocolate that had whiskey in it and I actually got drunk. My face turned red, and people laughed at me,” he recalled. Jung Chae Yeon responded with amusement, calling it “such a surprising charm.”
Extreme Reactions to Alcohol in Everyday Products
Lee’s allergy goes beyond typical alcohol intolerance. He described severe reactions from products most people wouldn’t associate with alcohol content. The actor explained how medicinal foot patches caused alarming symptoms.
“I was really tired once and used one of those foot patches. Suddenly, my heart started racing and my face got red – it was because alcohol from the patch got absorbed through my feet.”
Even basic medical and skincare products pose problems for the actor. When Yoo Yeon Seok asked about skincare, Lee revealed: “If I use the strong ones made for men, my skin turns red. At the hospital, when they rub me with alcohol swabs, the red mark stays in that exact shape. But no one believes me.”
Understanding Alcohol Allergies
Medical experts explain that true alcohol allergies are rare but can cause serious reactions. Symptoms typically include facial flushing, hives, nasal congestion, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing.
Lee’s case appears particularly sensitive since he reacts to topical applications and trace amounts in food. Most alcohol allergies are actually reactions to ingredients in alcoholic beverages rather than ethanol itself. However, Lee’s description suggests he may be allergic to alcohol in all forms.
Fan Reactions and Career Impact
Fans expressed surprise at learning about Lee’s condition through social media. Many praised his honesty in discussing what could be seen as an unusual health issue. The actor continues his successful career despite the allergy, currently starring in the drama Esquire with Jung Chae Yeon.
The condition doesn’t seem to affect his work, though it likely requires careful attention to product ingredients during filming. Makeup artists and costume departments would need to avoid alcohol-based products when working with the actor.
Alcohol in Unexpected Places
Lee’s experience highlights how alcohol appears in many everyday products:
- Medicinal patches and rubs
- Chocolate and other foods
- Skincare and grooming products
- Cleaning supplies
- Medical disinfectants
For someone with a severe allergy like Lee’s, this creates constant challenges in avoiding reactions. The actor’s story about hospital swabs leaving visible marks demonstrates how sensitive his condition is.
Previous Celebrity Health Revelations
Lee isn’t the first Korean celebrity to discuss unusual health conditions. Other stars have shared about:
- Food allergies affecting daily life
- Rare skin conditions
- Autoimmune disorders
- Uncommon medication reactions
However, Lee’s detailed account of reacting to trace alcohol amounts stands out for its specificity and the unexpected ways the allergy manifests.
Medical Perspective on Alcohol Allergies
Doctors note that while alcohol intolerance is common, true allergies are medically significant. They recommend that people with suspected alcohol allergies:
- Carry emergency medication if prescribed
- Read all product labels carefully
- Inform medical professionals before procedures
- Consider medical alert identification
Lee’s experience serves as a reminder that allergies can take surprising forms and require careful management in daily life. His willingness to discuss the condition openly helps raise awareness about this uncommon but impactful health issue.
Also read: Lee Jin Wook And Jung Chaeyeon Face Challenges In Building Trust In New Drama “Beyond The Bar”
