South Korean Actress Kim Sung-ryoung Opens Up About Her Two-Decade Vocal Disorder

Renowned South Korean actress Kim Sung-ryoung made a rare and heartfelt revelation on a recent episode of MBC’s variety show The Omniscient Observers, where she opened up about living with spasmodic dysphonia, a rare vocal disorder she’s been battling for over 20 years.

During the episode aired on June 3, viewers got a behind-the-scenes look into Kim’s daily life. Her morning began with peripheral nerve stimulation exercises – finger stretches and tapping both feet together. Stepping on the scale, she cheerfully noted her weight of 58kg, quipping, “Gaining weight made the wrinkles disappear.”

The show also unveiled her newly organized home for the first time. Designed with warm wood tones, the cozy interior hasn’t changed much in five years. “Everything’s the same since back then,” she remarked, embracing a mindful and eco-conscious lifestyle with minimal consumption.

Her healthy routines continued into the kitchen, where she routinely takes probiotics, protein supplements, and coconut oil. “I eat the moment I wake up,” she said, sharing a candid glimpse into her holistic approach to wellness.

Later, while watching television, Kim used a hair-loss treatment device. When co-host Jeon Hyun-moo asked if it was due to hair thinning, she admitted, “My hair’s been falling out a lot,” triggering light-hearted laughter as she glanced nervously at co-host Mr. Writer, Kim Seok-hoon.

Kim also visited her vocal academy, where she has trained for more than a decade. Although she pursued vocal exercises diligently, she continued to experience voice breaks. It was then that Kim openly shared she has been diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia – a neurological condition that causes involuntary spasms in the muscles of the voice box (larynx).

She revealed the condition first appeared around 20 years ago, but it took a decade just to identify the exact cause. “For ten years, I wandered without knowing what it was. Then, I learned about a treatment known as ‘vocal Botox’ and have been getting periodic treatments while continuing my acting career,” she said calmly.

Kim Sung-ryoung’s bravery in sharing her journey speaks volumes about the resilience it takes to navigate both a demanding career and a chronic health challenge—with visible grace.