Singer and variety star Kim Jong-kook (49), a mainstay of SBS’s Running Man, recently sparked concern among fans by revealing an unexpected health struggle. On a recent episode, Kim was seen being physically supported by fellow cast member Haha. When Ji Suk-jin noted that Kim was unwell, the singer remarked, "I’ve caught a disease I’ve never heard of in my life."
While the specific diagnosis was not disclosed, Kim explained that he is suffering from a balance disruption caused by issues within the cochlea and the inner ear. Fortunately, the "Muscle King"—who famously married a non-celebrity last September—shared that his symptoms are temporary. "I was told I would be fine after a week," he added.
The Link Between the Cochlea and Balance
As Kim Jong-kook suggested, when balance is disrupted due to inner ear issues, doctors often look toward the vestibular system. While the cochlea is primarily responsible for hearing, the adjacent vestibular organs (such as the semicircular canals) detect head movement and maintain equilibrium.
When this system malfunctions, it can lead to sudden dizziness, staggering, and postural instability. In fact, more than half of all cases of clinical dizziness originate from problems in the ear. Based on Kim's "one-week" recovery timeline, here are the most likely conditions:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is characterized by intense, spinning dizziness that lasts from a few seconds to a minute, usually triggered by lying down or turning the head. It occurs when tiny calcium particles (otoliths) shift out of place and enter the semicircular canals.
Symptoms: Brief but violent vertigo when changing positions, often accompanied by nausea.
Recovery: It typically improves within days or weeks, matching Kim’s description of a short-term recovery.
Treatment: Doctors use "positional maneuvers" to physically guide the particles back to their original location.
Vestibular Neuritis
This condition involves the sudden inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often resulting in severe vertigo that can last for several days.
Symptoms: Sudden, intense spinning and significant staggering while walking. Unlike other conditions, hearing usually remains normal.
Treatment: Acute symptoms are managed with sedatives and anti-nausea medication. Once the initial phase passes, "vestibular rehabilitation" exercises are essential to help the brain recalibrate and restore balance.
Meniere’s Disease
A more chronic inner ear disorder, Meniere’s is defined by recurrent attacks that can last for hours.
Symptoms: A "triad" of symptoms including spinning dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and a sensation of "fullness" or pressure in the ear.
Management: This requires long-term lifestyle changes, including a low-salt diet and stress management, to reduce the frequency of attacks.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience sudden spinning dizziness, a loss of balance, or hearing changes, an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) consultation is essential. However, it is vital to distinguish between ear-related dizziness and a neurological emergency.
Warning Signs of a Stroke: If dizziness is accompanied by slurred speech, numbness or weakness in one side of the body, or blurred vision, you should proceed to the emergency room immediately, as these may indicate a central nervous system issue rather than an inner ear problem.
For those recovering from inner ear issues, specialists recommend avoiding sudden head movements and managing overwork and lack of sleep—factors known to exacerbate vestibular dysfunction. Even for someone in peak physical condition like Kim Jong-kook, maintaining a balanced lifestyle is the best defense against these "unheard-of" ailments.
