Kim Jong-kook Suffers Rare Ear Condition, Still Recovering — Reveals He Was Unable to Eat for Two Days

(Seoul, March 28) South Korean star Kim Jong-kook has recently raised concern among fans after revealing he is suffering from a rare condition affecting his inner ear, which has caused severe balance issues.

During the recording of Running Man, he reportedly needed assistance from Haha just to enter the set. Although he initially reassured fans that he would recover within a week, his latest update suggests that recovery is still ongoing.

In a recent YouTube update, Kim shared that he has been diagnosed with vestibular neuritis—an inflammation of the inner ear’s vestibular nerve—resulting in dizziness and loss of balance. He admitted, “Even speaking feels a bit difficult right now.”

Describing the onset of the illness, he said, “The whole world kept spinning. I couldn’t do anything,” adding that he was unable to eat or even drink water for nearly two days. He described the experience as feeling “like I was at death’s door.”

Kim attributed the condition to extreme fatigue and stress, noting that he had traveled across four countries within a single month prior to the onset of symptoms.

At the time of filming, less than a week had passed since he fell ill, and he continues to experience dizziness. “It hasn’t even been a week yet, so the spinning sensation is still there,” he explained.

Due to impaired balance, he is currently unable to drive, although he has resumed basic daily activities. He emphasized that staying active is essential for recovery, as it helps the vestibular system gradually return to normal.

In the video, Kim appears able to perform simple tasks such as washing his car without assistance, showing clear improvement compared to his earlier condition—bringing some relief to concerned fans.