Kim Ji-hye witnesses cardiac arrest during Mount Fuji climb

Comedian Kim Ji-hye has highlighted the dangers of high-altitude environments and the fragility of life after successfully summiting Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak, with her daughter. She raised awareness regarding mountain safety, revealing that she not only suffered from altitude sickness but also personally witnessed cardiac arrests and emergency helicopter rescues during the descent.

On the 20th, Kim shared her experience via social media (SNS), stating, "It might look like an easy mountain to some, but seeing people suffer cardiac arrest on the way down made me realize it is by no means an ordinary mountain."

"I think I was overly confident, challenging Mount Fuji after having only been to Gwanaksan once," she continued, adding, "I am grateful that I could complete the entire schedule safely."

Reflecting on the significance of the challenge with her family, she added, "The precious experience with my daughter will likely remain in my memory for a lifetime," and "I made unforgettable memories at Mount Fuji in 2026."

The video she released captured her using a portable oxygen respirator to alleviate altitude sickness. She candidly described the harsh conditions, noting, "The altitude sickness was truly no joke."

Kim did not hide the physical toll the climb took on her. She expressed the difficulty of the steep descent, saying, "The way down is much harder than the way up," and "I don't know if my knees will be okay."

The most shocking aspect of the trip was the emergency situation encountered during the descent. Kim reported, "Three people went into cardiac arrest on the descent path, and I personally saw rescue helicopters being dispatched twice."

Expressing her condolences, she said, "I pray for the repose of the deceased," noting that she experienced the dangers of mountain accidents firsthand.

Mount Fuji, standing at 3,776m above sea level, is Japan's highest peak and a major high-altitude destination visited by hundreds of thousands of climbers every summer. However, it is also known for emergencies caused by high altitude, rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, and decreased oxygen levels. Near the summit, hypoxia can cause headaches, vomiting, breathing difficulties, and loss of consciousness. When combined with sudden weather changes, rescue operations can become extremely difficult, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols.

After completing the climb, Kim shared footage of her resting at an accommodation with her daughter. "After 20 hours, I finally brushed my teeth, went to a hot spring, and ate delicious food," she wrote, adding, "Once we arrived at the accommodation, the day felt incredibly long," conveying the exhaustion from the grueling trek.

Kim married comedian Park Jun Hyung, whom she met as a fellow KBS comedian, in 2005. She has two daughters and frequently communicates with the public by sharing her family life and various challenges through broadcasts and social media.