Haha Recalls Panic Disorder Struggles and How Yoo Jae-suk's Constant Support Helped Him Recover

Entertainer Haha has opened up about the panic disorder he experienced due to the immense pressure of his past variety show activities, expressing profound gratitude toward veteran host Yoo Jae-suk. While Haha has evolved from a singer and entertainer into a content producer and a 'boss' who brings junior comedians to the stage, there was a time when the mere thought of filming brought him overwhelming fear.

In the 373rd episode of the KBS2 program 'Boss in the Mirror' (Sajangnim Gwi-neun Dangnai-gwi), which aired on the 6th, Haha appeared as the leader of the 'Busan Expedition,' a project he personally planned. The episode recorded a peak viewership rating of 4.9% according to Nielsen Korea, showcasing Haha's new persona as a producer managing a YouTube channel with 1.14 million subscribers.

The 'Busan Expedition' featured comedians Yang Sang-guk, Park Young-jin, and Kim Won-hyo. While Haha introduced himself as a "boss close to the MZ generation," Yang Sang-guk bluntly remarked that he lacked the qualities of a producer, and Park Young-jin exposed him as a "relentless boss who keeps extracting results until something comes out."

Addressing criticisms that he continues 'after-talk' discussions even after filming has concluded, Haha countered by stating, "The after-talk is part of the job." Having spent a long time in the field as a performer, Haha has now transitioned into a position where he directly controls the planning and production of content.

During this process, stories from his past emerged. When Park Young-jin asked how he managed to endure long-term weekend variety shows, Haha replied, "I don't decide the popularity; the viewers' reaction is what matters." He then shared the psychological pressure he faced during his time on the legendary MBC variety show 'Infinite Challenge.'

Haha recalled how his heart would race starting from Tuesday evenings in anticipation of the 'Infinite Challenge' recordings, which took place every Thursday. At the time, he thought it was merely simple nervousness, but looking back, he believes it was actually panic disorder.

The person who stood by Haha during that difficult period was Yoo Jae-suk. Haha described Yoo as being like a "scary mother" who constantly pushed him to do better, revealing that Yoo would visit his home every single day even amidst those challenging circumstances.

The words shared by Yoo Jae-suk were also revealed. According to Haha, Yoo would urge him with the sentiment: "If you do nothing, nothing will happen. You have to do something so that I can either scold you or help you. You must realize this on your own." It was advice that demanded action rather than offering simple consolation or sympathy.

Haha recalled that after hearing those words, he was able to pull himself together and start again. He also confessed that he used to relieve tension by drinking alcohol after 'Infinite Challenge' recordings, and explained that Yoo Jae-suk stayed by his side out of concern for his well-being.

'Infinite Challenge' served as a decisive turning point in Haha's broadcasting career. After debuting as a singer in 2001, he expanded into variety shows, building a unique character through his quick wit, exaggerated reactions, and chemistry with fellow cast members during his time on the show. Much of his current identity as an entertainer was solidified during this era.

Now, Haha is giving the stage back to his juniors. He decided to feature Yang Sang-guk, Park Young-jin, and Kim Won-hyo—who all miss the comedy stage—in his first solo concert. Comedian Kim Sook praised the move, calling it "wonderful and thankful," noting that it is significant for a senior singer to directly propose a stage to junior comedians.

Of course, Haha's signature 'boss temperament' did not disappear during the concert. As the roles of the three comedians continued to increase—from hosting to opening stages and even dance breaks—Kim Sook jokingly quipped, "At this rate, shouldn't their faces be on the poster?" bringing laughter to the audience.

On the day of the concert, unexpected variables arose, such as the deterioration of Haha's vocal condition. Nevertheless, the four of them completed the performance. Yang Sang-guk shared his thoughts, saying, "Even though it's Haha hyung's concert, it felt like we were being loved equally." The scene can be interpreted as Haha returning the help he once received to his juniors in the form of a stage.

This episode clearly highlighted Haha's growth as much as his 'boss' persona. An entertainer who once had to endure anxiety and pressure before filming has now grown into someone who plans content, leads juniors, and invites them to his own stage.

In particular, what Haha emphasized while explaining Yoo Jae-suk's help was not simply that he "took good care of him." Rather, it was the fact that instead of solving problems for him during hard times, Yoo constantly stimulated him so that he could move again on his own.

Ultimately, Haha's confession goes beyond a mere 'heartwarming story about Yoo Jae-suk.' It is a story of an entertainer who, having collapsed under anxiety and pressure, returned to the field through a colleague's blunt advice, and twenty years later, stands in a position to pass on the power of those relationships to his juniors.

While variety shows are often seen merely as a profession that creates laughter, behind that laughter lies the tension of the performers, the fear of failure, and the pressure of enduring viewer evaluations. The reason Haha remembers Yoo Jae-suk so vividly even after all this time is that Yoo was the person who endured those invisible moments alongside him.