Beloved ‘Chan-gu’ Voice Actor Steps Down Due to Health

Veteran artist Kang Hee-sun cited for personal reasons, battling cancer

The iconic voice behind the animated character Bong Mi-sun in “Chan-gu” for over two decades has been replaced. Kang Hee-sun, a celebrated voice actor, is reportedly stepping away from the role due to health complications.

New Voices for Fan Favorite

The children’s animation channel Tuniverse confirmed that voice actors So-yeon (Ahn So-yeon) and Jung Yoo-jung will now take on the character of Mang-gu. This change comes after Kang Hee-sun lent her voice to the character for 26 years.

While Tuniverse initially cited personal circumstances for the transition, sources within the broadcasting industry indicate that Kang Hee-sun‘s departure is due to significant health issues.

Battling Colorectal Cancer

Reports indicate that Kang Hee-sun was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2021. The illness has since metastasized to her liver, requiring extensive treatment, including numerous chemotherapy sessions.

Despite her ongoing health battles, Kang previously shared on a popular entertainment program that she continued her voice acting work throughout her chemotherapy and surgery, demonstrating remarkable dedication.

A Storied Career

Kang Hee-sun began her career as a voice actor in 1979. Her extensive resume includes notable foreign film roles, voicing characters like Sharon Stone in “Basic Instinct” and Julia Roberts in “Erin Brockovich,” in addition to her well-known Korean roles.

Her contributions to the industry have been widely recognized, including receiving the KBS Voice Actor Award in 2005 and the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Award in 2018. The average lifespan for individuals diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer has seen improvements, with an estimated 5-year survival rate now around 14% according to the American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society 2024).