Kim Jong-kook Reveals Health Concerns on 'Running Man'

Kim Jong-kook opened up about his health issues on 'Running Man'.

The episode of SBS's variety show 'Running Man' aired on the 15th featured a special race titled 'Is Speed the Key to Vitality?' with short track speed skating national team members Choi Min-jung, No Do-hee, Lee Jun-seo, Lee Jung-min, and Shin Dong-min as guests.

During the opening, Kim Jong-kook shared his recent health concerns. Entering with Haha's support, he revealed, "I've come down with a strange illness I've never heard of before," explaining that he has an issue with his cochlea.

Ji Suk-jin commented, "It seems like there's a problem with his sense of balance," while Yoo Jae-suk added, "We told him to rest because he's not feeling well, but he refuses to leave." Kim Jong-kook shared, "When I called my mom, she said, 'You should still go to the shoot,'" adding, "Even when I was young, she would say, 'If you're going to be sick, be sick at school.'"

Kim Jong-kook emphasized that his health issue is temporary, stating, "They said it should be fine in about a week."

During the mission with the guests, Ji Ye-eun and Yang Se-chan showed a budding romance. Yang Se-chan helped Ji Ye-eun put on her inline skates.

Haha, observing from the side, remarked, "He's quite the devoted boyfriend," but added, "I bet 100% that you two won't work out." Ji Ye-eun smiled, saying, "He really likes me. My heart is slightly open now," and Yang Se-chan did not deny it.

Haha and Ji Ye-eun displayed a playful chemistry. During a team vote where the losing team automatically receives a penalty ball, Haha conspired with his teammates to give all their votes to Ji Ye-eun. Haha said, "If I'm going down, you're going down with me. That's the 'Running Man' motto," and Ji Suk-jin added, "Not being able to stand others doing well is the 'Running Man' spirit," jokingly.

Song Ji-hyo, noticing Yang Se-chan's attempt to vote against her, exclaimed, "Don't vote for me! You're at war with me now. I've had my eye on you since three weeks ago," causing laughter. Despite Song Ji-hyo's declaration of war, Yang Se-chan continued to target her, eliciting more laughs.

By Eun Jung Kim, TenAsia Reporter eun@tenasia.co.kr