Kim Jong-kook surprised viewers after revealing a recent health scare during an episode of the variety show Running Man.
The March 15 broadcast featured a race titled “Recharge Your Energy – Is Speed Also Spring?” and welcomed several short track speed skating athletes who competed in the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics. Guests included Choi Min-jeong, Noh Do-hee, Lee Jun-seo, Lee Jung-min, and Shin Dong-min.
During the opening segment, Kim Jong Kook appeared while being supported by fellow cast member Haha, drawing concern from the other members. Ji Suk-jin explained that Kim had not been feeling well.
Kim Jong Kook then revealed that he had been diagnosed with a condition affecting his inner ear. According to the singer, something was wrong with his cochlea, which caused problems with his sense of balance.
“I got a strange illness I had never even heard of before,” he said, expressing surprise at the diagnosis.
Host Yoo Jae-suk shared that Kim Jong Kook had insisted on continuing the filming despite feeling unwell. Kim explained that even his mother encouraged him to attend the shoot.
“I told my mom I wasn’t feeling well, but she said I should still go film Running Man,” he joked. “Even when I was young, she always told me to go to school even if I was sick.”
Meanwhile, Ji Suk-jin jokingly said the situation might be his chance to finally gain an advantage over the famously strong “Sparta” member. Kim Jong Kook reassured everyone by saying the condition was expected to improve within about a week.
Despite the health scare, the entertainer remained determined to participate in the filming, once again demonstrating his strong work ethic and dedication to the long-running variety show.
Sources: Daum | 스타뉴스
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