Korean comedian Kim Soo Yong recalls surviving 20-minute cardiac arrest; says, 'Life can end in an instant'

Comedian Kim Soo Yong

Korean comedian Kim Soo Yong has opened up about a terrifying near-death experience after suffering a prolonged cardiac arrest that left him briefly declared dead and taken to a morgue. The television personality shared the harrowing details during the December 10 episode of tvN’s popular talk show You Quiz on the Block.

Kim Soo Yong recently made headlines after news broke that he had suffered a heart attack. However, during the broadcast, it was revealed that his condition was far more severe than initially known. The comedian experienced a full cardiac arrest that lasted nearly 20 minutes—long enough to push him to the brink of death.

Recounting the incident, Kim credited those around him for saving his life. “Im Hyung Joon and Kim Sook’s manager alternated doing CPR,” he revealed, adding that he has no memory of losing consciousness. Host Yoo Jae Suk supplemented the account by sharing a crucial detail from the rescue effort. He said, “Im Hyung Joon had his angina medication hanging on a necklace and gave it to Kim Soo Yong.”

Kim Soo Yong went on to describe the chaos and urgency of the moments before emergency responders arrived. “My tongue was rolling back, but Kim Sook pulled it forward so it wouldn’t, and the paramedics arrived quickly,” he recalled. According to Kim, two ambulances were dispatched to the scene. One was required to carry a guardian, which Kim Sook’s manager boarded.

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The ordeal did not end there. Kim revealed that the ambulance carrying the guardian broke down mid-route. “On the way, the ambulance stopped because of a breakdown, but luckily, the one I was in kept going. Isn’t that lucky? It’s divine luck,” he said.

After regaining consciousness, the emotional impact of the experience truly set in. “When I regained consciousness, I felt fear. I saw patients delirious and screaming, and those passing away from cardiac arrest,” Kim shared. Being surrounded by life-and-death situations forced him into deep reflection. “I did a lot of thinking about life and death alone there. Life can end in an instant—if I had died there, it would have been so meaningless. Sudden death? This could happen to me, it can happen to anyone.”

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Acknowledging how narrowly he escaped death, Kim said, “I was extremely lucky. Waking up was fortunate,” adding that the experience has prompted immediate lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking.

Kim Soo Yong expressed heartfelt gratitude toward those who saved him. “Once I’m better, I feel it’s proper to meet them in person and thank them. I will live healthier and show that going forward,” he said.