Kim Jong Kook has sparked concern among fans as he revealed he is still battling an ongoing illness, likely due to his recent intense schedule. Previously, during the opening of the SBS variety show Running Man, viewers noticed a change in his condition. Kim Jong Kook appeared while being supported by Haha. Seeing this, Ji Suk Jin explained, “Jong Kook isn’t feeling well.” Kim Jong Kook added, “I’ve developed a condition I’ve never even heard of before,” revealing that an issue with his inner ear had affected his sense of balance. Ji Suk Jin also noted that he seemed to be having trouble maintaining balance.
Yoo Jae Suk commented on his strong sense of responsibility, saying, “Even when we tell him to rest, he won’t.” Kim Jong Kook humorously shared, “When I told my mother I wasn’t feeling well, she said, ‘You should still go to filming, shouldn’t you?’,” bringing some laughter despite the situation.
In a later video on his YouTube channel Gym Jong Kook, he provided more details about his health. He revealed that he had been diagnosed with Vestibular neuritis, admitting, “My condition was so bad that even speaking like this wasn’t easy.”
Vestibular neuritis is a condition involving inflammation of the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, often causing severe dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Kim Jong Kook described his experience: “My sense of balance completely collapsed, and it felt like the world was spinning. For two days, I couldn’t eat anything and could barely even drink water.”
As for the cause, he explained, “I had been traveling across four countries within a month, and the symptoms suddenly appeared.” He added that he has not fully recovered yet, saying, “I still can’t drive, so my manager is driving for me,” which further worried fans.
Despite not being fully healed, Kim Jong Kook continues his activities. “Even though I feel dizzy and it’s difficult, I have to keep moving,” he said. “It’s part of the process for the vestibular system to regain balance, so staying active actually helps recovery.” He also explained that the issue is currently affecting his left vestibular system, while the right side is compensating, emphasizing that adaptation through movement is key to faster recovery.
Although he mentioned that he was told his condition should improve within about a week, Kim Jong Kook’s determination to continue filming despite not being fully recovered has drawn both concern and support from fans.
Sources: OSEN