Kim Jong Kook suffers from a rare ear condition — reveals he couldn’t eat for two days, raising concern

(Seoul, March 28) South Korean entertainer Kim Jong-kook has recently opened up about his ongoing health condition, drawing concern from fans. Previously seen needing assistance from Haha while filming Running Man, he had initially expected to recover within a week—but now admits he has not fully healed.

In a recent update on his YouTube channel, Kim revealed that he has been diagnosed with vestibular neuritis, an inflammation of the inner ear nerve that affects balance. “Even speaking feels a bit difficult right now,” he shared, acknowledging the impact on his body.

He attributed the condition to extreme fatigue and stress, explaining that he had traveled across four countries within a single month before the symptoms suddenly appeared. “The whole world was spinning. I couldn’t function, couldn’t eat, and even drinking water was difficult for nearly two days,” he said, describing the experience as feeling like he had “stood at death’s door.”

Although some time has passed, Kim admitted that his recovery is still ongoing, with lingering dizziness and imbalance. However, his condition has gradually improved.

Due to the effects on his balance, he is currently unable to drive, but continues to carry out basic daily activities. “Even if it feels uncomfortable, I have to keep moving so my vestibular system can recover,” he explained.

In the video, Kim was seen performing routine tasks like washing his car independently, showing noticeable improvement compared to his earlier condition—offering reassurance to concerned fans.