Entertainer Kang Won-rae has shared a difficult experience where his well-intentioned advice to an injured friend was met with a harsh rebuke.
A Difficult Conversation
Kang Won-rae recounted the incident on his social media, detailing a conversation with a friend who had sustained a severe leg injury and was using crutches. The friend was clearly in discomfort and struggling to walk.
“I saw my friend with crutches. His leg was badly injured, and he was clearly uncomfortable and having trouble walking,” Kang explained. “I told him, ‘It must be difficult to walk with just crutches at your stage.’ But he replied, ‘If I walk even a little, it’s exercise, and I’ll recover faster, right?’”
Offering Practical Advice
Kang then offered his perspective, drawing on his understanding of rehabilitation practices. “I responded, ‘No, hyung (older brother/friend), in developed countries, rehabilitation often involves using a wheelchair for a period, and exercise is done in a swimming pool where there’s less strain on the legs or body. Using a wheelchair for now would put less strain on your whole body, so it would be fine.’”
An Unexpected Response
However, the conversation took a sharp turn when another individual present interjected. “The person next to him said, ‘Hey, don’t say such unlucky things. What if you end up using a wheelchair for the rest of your life?’” Kang recounted, expressing his hurt. He added that he simply replied, “You’re right, I’m sorry.”
Kang felt blindsided by the sudden criticism, as he believed he was offering practical and helpful advice for his friend’s recovery. Kang is married to singer and broadcaster Kim Song and they have one son.
Full Account from Kang Won-rae:
“My friend appeared with crutches. His leg was severely injured, and he was very uncomfortable and having difficulty walking. I said, ‘Hyung, walking with just crutches must be difficult,’ and he replied, ‘But if I walk a little, it’s exercise, and I’ll recover faster, right?’”
“I then said, ‘No, hyung, in countries with advanced rehabilitation, they often use wheelchairs for a period, and exercise is done in a swimming pool to avoid straining the legs or body. Using a wheelchair for now would put less strain on your entire body, so it would be okay.’”
“The person next to him then said, ‘Hey, don’t say such unlucky things. What if you end up using a wheelchair for the rest of your life?’ I replied, ‘You’re right, I’m sorry.’”
