Struggling with Atopic Dermatitis and Social Anxiety Disorder
"Lost My Entire Fortune to Fraud and Failed Investments"
Comedian Kim Daebeom has shared the story of why he has been absent from the broadcasting world. Kim Daebeom enjoyed the golden era of KBS Gag Concert and received a lot of love as "Daebbaki," but he has been living in seclusion for more than two years as his atopic dermatitis was compounded by social anxiety disorder.
In a video released on February 16, 2026 on the YouTube channel "Teukjong Sesang - Back Then, That Person," Kim Daebeom spoke candidly about the health problems and personal ordeals that continue to this day. The video features content that originally aired in August 2024.
In the video, Kim Daebeom was spending the night with every indoor light in his house turned on. This is because an intense sense of terror overwhelms him when he turns the lights off. The development of his anxiety led to painful atopic dermatitis; unable to endure the itching, his entire body became covered in wounds, and this was further compounded by social anxiety disorder.
He also revealed that he had been diagnosed with panic disorder, saying, "My body is tired, but when I try to sleep, fear overcomes my drowsiness." He once felt a sudden surge of terror while driving, which led him to go to the hospital, and afterward he stopped all broadcasting activities for about two years as he went through a period of suffering.
He also looked back on the time when he created a syndrome with the "Mabbaki" segment. Beating his peer Yoo Seyoon and his senior Lee Soogeun to win the Rookie of the Year Award, he recalled, "There was a time when 50 million won was deposited in a single day from commercial and event appearance fees."
However, a series of misfortunes struck him after his success. He fell victim to a scam targeting a popular comedian, and then lost his entire fortune due to failed stock investments.
In despair, Kim Daebeom turned to alcohol and had to make a living through day labor and touting for businesses. He confessed that he felt a deep sense of loss as he faced the reality that people did not recognize him, even when he was handing out flyers with his own face printed on them.
The pain of family matters added to his suffering. Kim Daebeom's mother has been suffering from dementia and lower-body paralysis symptoms for the past three years, and she currently remembers her son as an elementary school student. Kim Daebeom said that even during the period when he was struggling with panic disorder, he endured by answering every phone call from his mother.
During this difficult time, senior comedian Park Junhyung was a great help. Kim Daebeom described Park Junhyung, who reached out to him first when he was wandering without work, as a "savior" in his life. Park Junhyung also offered warm encouragement to his junior, saying, "I hope you keep doing the kind of comedy you want to do."
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