Inside Jung Kook's medicine bag: Here's what experts say
BTS member Jung Kook shows medications and supplements during a Weverse livestream. Captured from Jung Kook’s Weverse livestream
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BTS member Jung Kook revealed during a livestream that he takes dozens of medications, vitamins and supplements, prompting concerns about potential adverse effects.
Jung Kook showed fans the various products he takes while speaking on the fan community platform Weverse on Tuesday.
“I have to take magnesium,” he said, looking around in the middle of the livestream. “Let me show you the vitamin bag I normally carry around.” He then held his personal medicine bag up to the camera.
“There’s a lot in here,” Jung Kook said with a slightly embarrassed laugh. The plastic bag he pulled from the medicine bag was packed with dozens of white pill bottles.
And that was only the beginning. He proceeded to take out a dizzying array of products, including his morning vitamins, prescription medications for colds and tonsillitis, medication for elevated liver enzyme levels, an all-in-one cold remedy, sleep aids, medications for skin inflammation and allergies, and liquid vitamins.
As he explained what each product was for, the BTS member also discussed why he takes so many.
“There are claims that, scientifically, it is better to take fewer than five vitamin pills, and Jimin once told me something similar,” Jung Kook said. “I didn’t consult a specialist when putting this regimen together, but I haven’t experienced any major discomfort from taking them.”
He added that he cuts back whenever the number of products feels excessive.
“When I feel like it’s a bit too much, I take only a multivitamin for about three days before returning to my usual routine,” he said.
BTS member Jung Kook shows medications and supplements during a Weverse livestream. Captured from Jung Kook’s Weverse livestream
Excessive supplement use can damage liver
A closer look at the products Jung Kook displayed shows numerous pills spanning several categories, from vitamins and dietary supplements to medications. However, taking products from these different categories together without consulting a medical professional can increase the risk of adverse effects.
One of the primary concerns is the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing many substances. During the livestream, Jung Kook said he was already taking prescribed medication for elevated liver enzyme levels. Indiscriminate use of medications and supplements when there are already warning signs involving liver function could place additional strain on the organ.
One ingredient requiring particular caution is acetaminophen, which is found in many fever reducers and pain relievers. Excessive acetaminophen use is a leading cause of acute liver failure. The ingredient is found not only in headache remedies but also in a wide range of common medicines, including cold medications, liquid cold remedies and some combination muscle-relief products.
Taking several over-the-counter medicines without thoroughly checking their labels could therefore result in a person unknowingly consuming an amount far exceeding the recommended dose.
Fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, E and K also require caution. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, excess amounts are not readily excreted in urine and may accumulate in the body, potentially causing toxicity and other adverse effects.
Specialist warns of liver toxicity from taking 5 or more supplements
Medical experts have also warned about taking excessive numbers of supplements. Choi Seok-jae, a professor of emergency medicine at Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, recently discussed the risks on the YouTube channel Jisik Hansang.
“Most medications are metabolized in the liver by enzymes known collectively as cytochrome P450,” Choi said. “Adding supplements while already taking medication can significantly increase the burden on the liver.”
“Taking two or three supplements may not pose a major problem, but once the number reaches five or more, the risk of liver toxicity must be considered,” he added. “When multiple supplements are taken at the same time, the strain on the liver and kidneys may be far greater than simply additive. The safest approach is to take only the minimum number of ingredients that you genuinely need.”
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.