Park Myung-soo opens up about mental health counseling

Entertainer Park Myung-soo has candidly shared his experience receiving counseling at a mental health clinic, emphasizing the importance of mental health management and the need to improve social perceptions of professional treatment. By opening up about seeking medical help for depression and insomnia, his message that "it is not something to hide" is drawing attention as a call to alleviate the stigma surrounding mental health.

On the "Legendary Master" segment of KBS Cool FM's "Park Myung-soo's Radio Show" broadcast on the 20th, Park discussed mental health management and Artificial Intelligence (AI) counseling services with mental health specialist Lee Kyung-jun.

The broadcast addressed the growing social phenomenon of individuals using generative AI for psychological support and personal counseling.

"I also frequently ask AI about professional matters like law or taxation," Park remarked, adding, "These days, there are many people who even use AI for personal counseling."

In response, Lee explained, "In fact, such cases are increasing significantly. While there were initial concerns that AI counseling could replace medical settings, it is now being recognized that while AI can play a supportive role, accurate diagnosis and treatment must ultimately be carried out through face-to-face consultation with professional medical staff."

The conversation naturally turned to personal experiences with mental health clinics. Park confessed that he has sought professional counseling for depression and insomnia, sharing his honest feelings from that time.

"I also go to the hospital for counseling when I occasionally feel depressed or cannot sleep well," Park recalled. "At first, just entering a mental health clinic made me feel anxious for no reason. I was worried, 'Will people look at me strangely?'"

He continued, "When I opened the door and walked in, I was surprised to see about 15 people sitting in the waiting room. I realized, 'So many people use this place.' At that moment, I thought, 'This is not something to hide.'"

Addressing social prejudice, Park suggested, "You can think of it as the brain catching a cold, just as the body catches a cold. I hope people accept it as natural to visit a hospital when the head and brain are hurting." He emphasized that mental illness should be viewed as a medical condition requiring treatment rather than something special or shameful.

Recently, there has been a growing understanding that mental health issues—such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders—are medical conditions requiring management rather than a lack of willpower. Experts emphasize that early counseling and appropriate treatment are crucial in preventing symptoms from worsening, noting that reducing the social stigma of visiting mental health clinics is key to promoting public mental health.

Furthermore, while generative AI counseling services are spreading rapidly, the medical community maintains that while AI can assist with emotional empathy or providing general information, it cannot replace professional medical actions such as diagnosing mental illness, establishing treatment plans, or prescribing medication, all of which require professional evaluation.

Park's confession is being seen as a significant step toward fostering a social atmosphere where mental health can be discussed openly. His transparency is expected to help shift public perception, framing mental health management as a routine medical service available to anyone in need rather than a matter to be hidden.