What Happened to Luan on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS

It’s been many years since Luan was on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS so some newer viewers might not be aware of her history in Genoa City. And maybe some longtime fans might want a refresher. That’s where we come in! The character was introduced back in June 1994 and was played by actress Elizabeth Sung until her exit in March 1996.

Luan Volien first appeared as the owner of The Saigon Shack, Christine Blair’s favorite restaurant in town. When she was shot during a robbery, Luan asked Christine to find her son, Keemo, before she died. This led Christine and Paul Williams on a journey to Vietnam where they found the young man. He resented his mother for abandoning him but they convinced him to come back to Genoa City with them. As Luan recovered from her injuries, Keemo moved in with her and her teenage daughter, Mai. 

Christine then deduced that Jack Abbott had been Luan’s lover in Vietnam and was Keemo’s father. Luan was delighted to be reunited with Jack and told him about his son. While Keemo was initially resistant, he eventually accepted Jack as his father. As they rekindled their romance, Luan brought out a softer side of Jack, and the couple married in a beautiful ceremony.

Shortly after they were wed, Luan learned that she had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and tried to hide it from Jack but he soon discovered her secret. Luan begged him not to tell anyone and he agreed to keep her illness under wraps so they could enjoy her remaining months together.  When Luan eventually passed away, Jack was heartbroken. And things were made even worse when Keemo found out that his father had known about her illness and kept it from him. While he eventually forgave Jack, Keemo and Mai left Genoa City and returned to Vietnam.

Although their time together was brief, Luan will always hold a special place in Jack’s heart.