Hong Kong actor Louis Koo, 54, has recently raised public concern regarding his health after revealing serious issues affecting his right eye. During a recent event in Hong Kong, Koo was seen wearing sunglasses, a precaution he took due to the alarming condition of his eye. He disclosed that his right eye has developed two holes in the retina, leading to the presence of floaters and persistent dark spots in his vision. Koo stated that he needs to schedule surgery to address this issue, which doctors have warned could lead to blindness if not treated promptly.
According to a report from 163, the situation is serious enough that Koo will require a week of rest following the surgery, during which he will need to wear contact lenses and avoid air travel. This latest health scare follows a history of injuries that Koo has endured throughout his career, particularly an incident in 2017 when he suffered a significant eye injury while filming. At that time, he required eight stitches to close the wound but continued filming in New Zealand despite the injury not being fully healed.
Koo is known for his dedication to his work, and he has shared his principles on managing his career effectively. "My principle of handling work is: do not let work pile up, do not delay. My colleagues and I will list what needs to be done, arrange according to priority, to complete most effectively," Koo explained, illustrating his commitment to his craft.
This is not the first time Koo has faced health challenges. In 2018, he revealed that he had suffered a slipped cervical vertebra, which was offset by 1cm and pressing on nerves, resulting in numbness in all ten fingers. He underwent surgery in the United States, where he had two vertebrae, C5 and C6, replaced with titanium. Despite these major health setbacks, Koo returned to work shortly after, stating, "This is my job, not a sports activity," emphasizing his determination to continue his career.
Throughout his 30-year career in the entertainment industry, Louis Koo has become one of Hong Kong's most prominent actors. He has starred in numerous TVB productions, including popular series like Detective Investigation Files IV, The Ultimate Crime Fighter, and The Condor Heroes (1995), where he played the iconic role of Yang Guo alongside actress Liu Yifei. In the 2000s, he shifted his focus to film, becoming a leading figure in Hong Kong cinema.
According to Sina, Koo has starred in more films than any other Hong Kong artist over the past decade, earning him the title of the new "boss" of Hong Kong cinema. In recent years, he has not only acted but also invested his own money into various film projects, such as Minh Nhật Chiến Ký, The Time Machine (film version), and Cuu Long Thanh Trai, which have created jobs for many in the film production sector.
Despite the physical toll his career has taken on him, Koo's dedication to his craft remains unwavering. He has often performed his own stunts, even when it meant risking further injury. For instance, while filming, he wore heavy armor weighing about 15kg in hot weather, performing complex action scenes that would challenge even the most seasoned actors. This commitment has led to additional injuries, including nerve damage that required further surgery two years later, where he again had more cervical vertebrae replaced with titanium.
As Koo continues to navigate his health challenges, fans and colleagues alike have expressed their support for the actor, who remains a beloved figure in Hong Kong's entertainment industry. His resilience and work ethic serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that passion for one’s work can often drive individuals to push through adversity.
As he prepares for surgery, Koo's fans are rallying behind him, hoping for a speedy recovery so he can return to the screen. His journey reflects not only the challenges faced by performers but also the importance of prioritizing health amidst the pressures of a demanding career.
Louis Koo's story is a reminder of the physical risks that come with the entertainment profession, especially for those who, like him, choose to perform their own stunts. As he faces this latest health hurdle, the public remains hopeful for his recovery and looks forward to seeing him back in action.
