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

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.