Golden Horse Best Actor Lee Kang-sheng, 57, was hospitalized on May 20 following sudden chest discomfort and underwent emergency heart catheterization surgery on May 21 in Taiwan [1, 2, 3, 4]. The minimally invasive procedure aimed to treat his coronary artery issues.
Director and longtime friend Cai Ming-liang waited anxiously outside the operating room and asked supporters to send well wishes, saying, "Lee felt chest problems and after doctor’s advice decided on heart catheterization surgery; I stayed outside the OR waiting, hoping friends send positive energy for a smooth operation" [1]. After about an hour, the surgery was successfully completed, and Lee was reported stable and recovering. Cai later confirmed, "The surgery is finished, successful and safe. Lee thanks everyone for their concern and support" [2].
Lee posted on social media thanking his supporters and confirmed the success of the procedure. He wrote, "Thank you all for worrying about me. My minimally invasive heart catheterization surgery went well. Recovery and lifestyle habits will be key; I will rest one week before resuming normal life" [3]. The surgery involved the self-paid installation of a drug-coated balloon and a drug-eluting metal stent to keep his coronary arteries open [3, 4].
Lee was admitted to hospital after experiencing chest discomfort on May 20 and was examined thoroughly before the emergency surgery the following day [3, 4]. Prior to this, on May 18, Lee had appeared in good health at the wrap-up celebration for his new movie, "The Long Goodbye" [4].
Lee has a medical history that includes a rare torticollis condition diagnosed when he was 20, which causes neck muscle spasms and pain with recurrent episodes over more than a decade [1, 5]. Around age 45, he suffered a stroke that caused paralysis on one side and worsened his neck condition; he was once diagnosed with a lifelong disability [3, 6]. He has since undergone rehabilitation and botulinum toxin treatments that improved his symptoms, encouraging others to stay positive through illness [2, 3].
Lee is expected to be discharged from the hospital on May 22 and will rest for one week before resuming normal activities [3, 7, 4].
