Actress Jeon Won-joo, who has been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, told fellow actress Kim Hyung-ja that she does not remember her, according to a preview reported by Chosun Ilbo. The exchange took place between the two women, described by the outlet as friends of 55 years, on the program "Unforgettable Duet 2." Chosun Ilbo published its report on Friday, 23 October 2026.
According to the outlet, the moment left the mood heavy, with the headline framing the scene as "먹먹," a Korean word suggesting a choked, somber feeling. The preview was carried under the program's title and the outlet's entertainment preview tag.
Mild cognitive impairment is a condition in which a person shows a noticeable decline in memory or thinking beyond what is typical for their age, though it is not the same as dementia. The report does not include further detail on Jeon's diagnosis or medical history, and no additional remarks from either actress were included in the summary available.
The program pairs performers for duet stages, and the preview centers on the reunion between the two veteran actresses rather than on a musical performance. Chosun Ilbo's report is based on a preview of the episode, so the full context of the conversation has not yet aired.
Viewers can watch for the broadcast of "Unforgettable Duet 2" to see how the episode presents the exchange between Jeon and Kim in full.