Haha Recalls Struggling with Panic Disorder, Crediting Yoo Jae-suk's Daily Support

Entertainer Haha has opened up about his past struggles with panic disorder caused by the intense pressure of his variety show activities, expressing profound gratitude toward Yoo Jae-suk. For Haha, who has evolved from a singer and entertainer into a content producer and a 'boss' who brings junior comedians to the stage, there was once a time when even the thought of filming filled him with fear.

In the 373rd episode of the KBS2 variety show 'Boss in the Mirror' (Sajangnim Gwi-neun Dangnagwi Gwi) broadcast on the 6th, Haha appeared as the leader of the 'Busan Expedition,' a project he planned himself. 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' included comedians Yang Sang-guk, Park Young-jin, and Kim Won-hyo. While Haha introduced himself as a "boss who is close to the MZ generation," Yang Sang-guk bluntly critiqued him, saying he "lacks the qualities of a PD (producer)," and Park Young-jin exposed him as a "relentless boss who keeps squeezing out content until something comes out."

Responding to criticisms that he continues "post-discussion" even after filming ends, Haha countered that "post-discussion is part of the job." Having experienced the field for a long time as a performer, Haha has now stepped further 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 weekend variety shows, Haha replied, "I don't decide the popularity; the viewers' reaction is what matters." He then shared the psychological pressure he experienced during his time on the MBC variety show 'Infinite Challenge.'

Haha recalled how his heart would race starting from Tuesday evenings in anticipation of the 'Infinite Challenge' recordings held every Thursday. While he thought it was just simple nervousness at the time, looking back, he realized it was likely panic disorder.

The person who stood by Haha during that period was Yoo Jae-suk. Haha described Yoo as being "like a strict mother" who constantly pushed him, explaining that Yoo visited his home every day even during those difficult times.

The words spoken by Yoo Jae-suk were also revealed. According to Haha, Yoo urged 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 it yourself." Rather than offering simple comfort or sympathy, it was advice demanding that he move again.

Haha recalled that he was able to pull himself together and start anew after hearing those words. 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 this habit.

'Infinite Challenge' was a decisive turning point in Haha's broadcasting career. After debuting first as a singer in 2001, he expanded into variety shows, building a character through 'Infinite Challenge' characterized by his quick wit, exaggerated reactions, and relationships with fellow cast members. Much of his current identity as an entertainer was completed during this period.

Now, Haha has given the stage to his juniors. He decided to feature Yang Sang-guk, Park Young-jin, and Kim Won-hyo—who missed the comedy stage—in his first solo concert. Comedian Kim Sook praised the move as "wonderful and thankful," noting that a senior singer was directly proposing a stage to junior comedians.

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

On the day of the concert, unexpected variables arose, including a deterioration in Haha's vocal condition. Nevertheless, the four completed the stage, and Yang Sang-guk shared his impression, saying, "Even though it's Haha-hyung's concert, it felt like we were being loved equally." This can also be seen as a scene where Haha returns the help he once received to his juniors in the form of a stage.

The broadcast vividly revealed Haha's growth as much as his 'boss' persona. A performer who once had to endure anxiety and pressure before filming has now reached a position where he 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 Yoo "took good care of him." It was the fact that instead of solving problems for him during hard times, Yoo constantly stimulated him so that he could move on his own again.

Ultimately, Haha's confession goes beyond a mere "heartwarming story about Yoo Jae-suk." It is a story of an entertainer who, after being slumped by anxiety and pressure, returned to the field through a colleague's direct advice, and 20 years later, stands in a position to return the power of connection he received to his juniors.

Variety shows are often seen only as a profession that creates laughter, but behind that laughter exists the tension of the performers, the fear of failure, and the pressure of enduring viewer evaluations. The reason Haha remembers Yoo Jae-suk even after all this time is likely because Yoo was the person who endured those invisible moments alongside him.