Singer Kim Jong-kook, who was often dubbed a “symbol of health” thanks to his strict self-management, has recently disclosed that he was diagnosed with vestibular neuritis and is currently undergoing treatment, drawing sympathy from the public.
“I couldn’t even drink a sip of water”…He Described the Agony He Felt
On the 27th, Kim Jong-kook posted a video on his YouTube channel, “Kim Jong-kook GYM JONG KOOK,” sharing detailed updates on his current health condition. In the video, he appeared too uncomfortable even to talk, and said he had been going through a difficult time due to a newly discovered condition called vestibular neuritis.
Vestibular neuritis is a disease in which inflammation occurs in the vestibular organs that manage balance sensations inside the ear and in the nerves connecting the ear to the brain. Along with severe dizziness, it can come with vomiting and nausea, significantly disrupting everyday life.
He described what it was like when it first struck him, saying, “I completely lost my sense of balance, and the whole world was spinning around so I couldn’t do anything,” adding, “For two days, I lay there without being able to drink even a sip of water—I felt like I was dying and coming back to life.”
Blame the Overpacked Schedule…Even on “Running Man,” Strange Signs Appeared
The decisive cause of this illness, he said, was an exhausting overseas schedule. After moving between four countries for a month and cramming his activities, he explained that overwork and stress had piled up, and the illness arrived suddenly. He added, “I still haven’t fully recovered, so even driving is something I have to be very careful about.”
Signs of Kim Jong-kook’s health issues were also noticed on “Running Man,” an entertainment program that aired recently on SBS. At the time, he appeared while being helped by Ha Ha, prompting concerns from viewers. The cast also mentioned that his sense of balance seemed to be affected and expressed their wishes for his speedy recovery.
Even after hearing that Kim Jong-kook—an entertainment-industry representative fitness enthusiast—collapsed from overwork, netizens are pouring out messages of support such as, “Health comes first,” and “I hope you can get plenty of rest.”
Meanwhile, in September of last year, Kim Jong-kook married his non-celebrity wife and drew attention by building a happy, close-knit family.
