Haha opens up about panic disorder during 'Infinite Challenge,' credits Yoo Jae-suk for recovery

Broadcaster Haha has opened up about his struggle with panic disorder, expressing gratitude toward fellow entertainer Yoo Jae-suk for helping him through it.

Haha made the confession Sunday on the KBS 2TV variety program "Sajangnim Gwineun Dangnaegwi" (Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears), recalling a difficult period during his time on the MBC variety show "Infinite Challenge."

When comedian Park Young-jin asked Haha for his secret to succeeding in weekend variety programming, Haha said, "Popularity isn't something I decide. What matters is the audience's reaction."

He then revealed the toll the show had taken on him. "We filmed 'Infinite Challenge' every Thursday. From Tuesday evening, my heart would start racing because of the pressure. Looking back now, I think I was having panic attacks," he said.

Yang Sang-guk asked how he managed to get through it.

"There were so many good people around me," Haha replied. "Jae-suk hyung pushed me like a mother would."

He elaborated: "Back then, Jae-suk hyung kept pushing me like a strict mother and came to my house every day. He told me to figure things out for myself, and thanks to that, I was able to pull myself together and start again." Haha said he remains grateful to Yoo for that support.

Haha recalled one piece of advice in particular. "At the time I just wanted to do nothing, and he told me, 'If you do nothing, nothing will happen. Do something — then I can either scold you or help you.' From that point on, I snapped out of it and went at it like a madman. He came to my house every single day," he said.

Sunday's episode marked Haha's first appearance on "Sajangnim Gwineun Dangnaegwi." He has recently been collaborating with Park Young-jin, Yang Sang-guk and Kim Won-hyo on a project called "Busan Expedition" through his YouTube channel "Haha PD."