Yoo Jae-suk Stopped Filming for the First Time in 35 Years Because of a 'Cold'... "Why You Should Be Especially Careful This Fall" [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Supportive comments have poured in from internet users after broadcaster Yoo Jae-suk appeared in a new video following the first same-day cancellation of a recording since his debut due to a high fever.
On the 25th, Yoo Jae-suk's agency Antenna uploaded a new video from its YouTube channel 'DdeunDdeun.' Titled 'The Chuseok Family Gathering Is Just an Excuse,' the episode of 'Pinggyego' showed Yoo Jae-suk sharing a variety of stories with members known as his 'favorite plushies,' including Lee Kwang Soo, Ji Seok-jin, Nam Chang-hee and Yang Se-chan. It was the first piece of content released after the recording was canceled, drawing attention immediately after its release.
Comments such as "I can't tell you how worried I was," "I was so upset," and "Please don't get sick" followed one after another as viewers expressed concern about Yoo Jae-suk's health.

Yoo Jae-suk had been scheduled to take part in the recording of the Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) variety show 'Whenever Possible' with actor Yoo Yeon-seok on the 22nd. However, he canceled the day's schedule because of cold and flu-like symptoms. Antenna said in an official statement that day, "Yoo Jae-suk developed a temporary high fever due to cold and flu-like symptoms, making it unavoidable for him to cancel the recording," adding, "He is currently focusing on his recovery. We have asked those involved for their understanding and are coordinating a rescheduled recording."
Yoo Jae-suk previously canceled filming for 'You Quiz on the Block' and other programs after testing positive for COVID-19 in 2021, but that was not a same-day cancellation. It is reportedly the first time since his debut in 1991 that he has canceled a recording on the day of filming for health reasons.

Influenza activity began more than a month earlier than usual this fall, and the number of patients continues to rise. Suspected cases are increasing rapidly, particularly among school-age children, raising concerns that family gatherings and travel during the Chuseok holiday could accelerate the spread of infection.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) issued an influenza outbreak alert for the 2026–2027 season on the 11th. It was the earliest alert since the sentinel surveillance system was introduced in 2011. From September 6 to 12, the rate of influenza-like illness stood at 31.0 cases per 1,000 outpatients, 4.6 times the figure recorded during the same period last year, at 6.7 cases. By age group, the rate was highest among children aged 7 to 12 at 79.6 cases, followed by children aged 1 to 6 at 55.2 and those aged 13 to 18 at 39.8.
Jang Hee-chang, head of infection control at H Plus Yangji Hospital, said, "Unlike the common cold, influenza often causes a sudden high fever accompanied by chills, headaches, muscle aches and fatigue." He added, "Children may also experience fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting or abdominal pain, so it is important not to dismiss these symptoms as a simple cold." He continued, "With the outbreak starting early this year, if a child who spends time in group settings such as schools or daycare centers develops a high fever and respiratory symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention while considering the possibility of influenza."
People should seek medical attention as soon as possible after influenza symptoms appear. Infants and young children, older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of complications such as pneumonia. Rather than waiting to see whether symptoms persist, they should visit a medical institution early.

This year's national influenza vaccination program will begin earlier than usual. Children aged 6 months to 14 years and pregnant women began receiving vaccinations on the 21st. For adults aged 65 and older, vaccinations will be administered in stages, beginning with those aged 75 and older on October 6, those aged 70 to 74 on October 12, and those aged 65 to 69 on October 15. Some high-risk groups, including people with weakened immune systems, may receive vaccinations according to the schedule after consulting a medical professional. Starting this year, the eligible age range for children covered by the national vaccination program has been expanded to 6 months through 14 years. Eligible individuals can be vaccinated at a nearby designated medical institution or public health center, regardless of their registered address.
There is no need to postpone vaccination simply because the outbreak has already begun. Since it takes some time for antibodies to develop after vaccination, getting vaccinated early in the outbreak is important. It also helps reduce the risk of severe illness as well as infection. High-risk individuals should get vaccinated when possible, and everyone should follow basic preventive measures, such as hand hygiene and wearing a mask in crowded places, regardless of their vaccination status.
People should also be cautious about infections within families during the Chuseok holiday. A child infected at daycare or school may transmit the virus to family members, who could then pass it on to older parents or grandparents. Anyone with a fever or respiratory symptoms during the holiday should avoid attending gatherings and cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Washing hands after going outside and before and after meals is important, and wearing a mask in crowded, enclosed spaces is recommended.
Jang said, "Since influenza activity began earlier than usual this year, it is important to take care of personal hygiene and get vaccinated now rather than thinking, 'I can get vaccinated when winter comes.'" He added, "During periods when family contact increases, such as the Chuseok holiday, avoiding unnecessary gatherings when experiencing symptoms can help reduce transmission within the family." 
[email protected] Jung Myung-jin, medical writer Reporter