Yoo JaeSeok "I Sweated Too Much"...What Did He Suffer From in the Past?

In a recent episode of SBS's ‘Whenever I have time’, Broadcaster Yoo JaeSeok spent time in Daejeon with actors Yoo YeonSeok and Park SeRi. During the show, Yoo YeonSeok asked Park SeRi about the pressure and nerves she felt when winning a golf championship. Park SeRi replied, "I was so focused that I didn’t even realize how nervous I was. I always live with tension." Yoo JaeSeok added, "These days, Korean players are doing well, but back when Park SeRi was coaching, there weren’t many major tournament wins, so it was a huge impact.“

Then, Yoo YeonSeok asked Yoo JaeSeok, "Did you ever have stage fright?" Yoo JaeSeok confessed, "I used to tremble with the microphone because of my nausea. I would practice well, but when the recording started, I would shake." He continued, "I would sweat so much that I worried I might get electrocuted and die. I was terrible in real situations, and that’s why the producers didn’t use me.“

What Is The Stage Fright?

The stage fright that Yoo JaeSeok mentioned is the fear or anxiety that occurs when one is on stage. It’s common to feel nervous when performing or speaking in front of an audience, but if the body becomes excessively aroused and feelings of strong anxiety and fear arise, it could be stage fright.

Stage fright triggers both psychological and physical responses. Symptoms can include a fast heartbeat, shaky breathing, red-faced, dry mouth, and excessive sweating like Yoo JaeSeok experienced. In severe cases, it can lead to indigestion or even panic attacks before going on stage. For those with jobs that require public performances, if the symptoms are severe, they might struggle with work, which can lead to extreme stress and depression.

How to Overcome It?

This phenomenon often stems from a fear of past failures and concerns about being judged by others. The anxiety comes from the fear of not meeting the audience's or one's own expectations during a performance or broadcast. Without overcoming stage fright, it can affect not just performances, but also everyday social activities such as presentations, interviews, and important meetings.

Therefore, overcoming stage fright requires personal effort. Finding ways to calm down before stepping onto the stage and focusing on positive thoughts are key. Practicing meditation or yoga to relax the mind and release negative emotions can also be helpful.

If it’s difficult to overcome on your own, seeking help from a mental health professional is an option. Treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, where individuals are gradually exposed to anxiety-inducing situations, can be effective. In severe cases, medication may also be used.