Actor Im Hyung-jun. Yonhap News

As comedian Kim Soo-yong collapsed from cardiac arrest and has since recovered, the behind-the-scenes story of actor Im Hyung-jun, who was with him, has come to light.

According to the agency for Kim Soo-yong, Kim Sook, and Im Hyung-jun, Media Lab Siso, Kim Soo-yong suddenly collapsed on the 13th of last month in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, while preparing to film the YouTube channel ‘Kim Sook TV’. Right after the incident, Im Hyung-jun and the manager for Kim Sook administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while Kim Sook secured his airway, providing immediate first aid until paramedics arrived.

In an interview with ‘Star News‘, Im Hyung-jun explained the situation at the time, saying, “(Kim Soo-yong) was almost in a state of cardiac arrest.”

Before collapsing, Kim Soo-yong had reportedly already visited a nearby hospital, saying he had ‘tightness in his chest and was feeling unwell’. While Im Hyung-jun and Kim Sook were checking on his condition before filming, he suddenly let out a ‘ugh’ sound and collapsed, and Im Hyung-jun immediately began CPR.

Kim Soo-yong. Photo by Sports Kyunghyang DB

He said, “Even after the paramedics came, performed CPR, delivered electric shocks, and administered injections, there was no response,” adding, “I truly thought he was going to die. Kim Sook rode in my car to the hospital, crying and praying, saying, ‘I hope he wakes up.’” He conveyed how desperate he felt at the time.

Kim Soo-yong was transported in an ambulance without regaining consciousness, but he regained consciousness just before arriving at the hospital. He was then diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction at the hospital and immediately underwent angioplasty, and was discharged on the 20th of last month.

Having protected the golden hour through quick action, Im Hyung-jun also revealed his own battle with variant angina, saying humbly, “Because I had some basic knowledge about it, I was able to stay relatively calm. Because the paramedics did not give up, Kim Soo-yong was able to live.” He went on, “I was so shocked and scared. He even appeared in my dream that night. I am relieved that Kim Soo-yong regained consciousness.”

In response to the news, many people are sending praise and encouragement, saying things like ‘It is fortunate there were people around who could perform first aid,’ ‘Im Hyung-jun and Kim Sook are amazing,’ ‘It was truly a miraculous situation,’ ‘What a great relief,’ and ‘We hope Kim Soo-yong takes good care of his health.’