Kim Woo-bin of ‘Genie, Make a Wish’ reflects on his cancer battle

Kim Woo-bin / Captured from Jung Jae-hyung's YouTube channel

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Actor Kim Woo-bin has opened up about the lifestyle habit he neglected before being diagnosed with cancer.

The 36-year-old actor appeared recently on the YouTube channel Fairy Jae-hyung, where he spoke about his recovery and new outlook on life. Kim, who was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2017, said he now prioritizes health and rest above all else.

“There was a time when, out of three hours to sleep, I would rest for just one and use the rest to work out,” he said. “Now I sleep properly because I think about my health. I’m much healthier now. The time I took off during treatment gave me many good things.”

His reflection offers a reminder of the link between lifestyle and serious illness — and why rest is as vital to recovery as treatment itself.

What is nasopharyngeal cancer?

Nasopharyngeal cancer forms in the upper part of the throat behind the nose, an area connecting the nasal cavity to the ear and palate. It can result from genetic factors, viral infections or chronic nasal inflammation.

Early symptoms may include a lump around the neck, nosebleeds or blood-tinged mucus. Persistent ear fullness or hearing loss following ear infections can also be warning signs.

Because the nasopharynx lies close to the brain, untreated cancer can progress and cause cranial nerve paralysis. Surgery is difficult in this area, but radiation therapy is typically effective. Early-stage cancers are treated with radiation alone, while advanced cases may require combined radiation and chemotherapy.

Sleep and healthy routines matter

As with many cancers, early detection and good daily habits are key. If symptoms like one-sided nasal blockage or persistent ear pressure continue, experts recommend visiting a doctor promptly. Maintaining good hygiene and eating fresh fruits and vegetables can also help lower cancer risk.

Sleep plays a particularly important role in immune defense. Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts hormone balance, raises cortisol levels — the body’s primary stress hormone — and weakens immunity. This can make it harder for the body to fight off cancerous cells.

How much sleep is enough?

Adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Many people wrongly assume their bodies can adapt to short sleep without harm, but over time, the effects accumulate — increasing risks of inflammation, cardiovascular disease and even cancer.

Health experts suggest gradually extending sleep time for those accustomed to short rest, such as adding 15 minutes each night over several weeks. They also warn against “catch-up sleep” on weekends, which can disrupt circadian rhythms instead of restoring rest.

Kim’s story serves as a reminder that even the fittest bodies need recovery time — and that true health often begins with a good night’s sleep.

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.