After 'Squid Game' Became a Smash Hit, Filming Was Even Halted... What Happened to Actor Heo Sung-tae? [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Actor Heo Sung-tae, who gained worldwide popularity through Netflix's original series 'Squid Game,' has revealed that he suffered from severe panic disorder after its success, prompting growing interest in panic disorder triggered by psychological pressure.
Heo Sung-tae appeared on the recently aired KBS2 variety show 'Problem Child in House' and recounted how severe panic symptoms led to filming being halted on the set of his next project, a historical drama.

He said, "It felt like the crew on set were watching me, saying, 'Let's see how well he does,' and I was afraid they'd judge me by saying, 'His acting is always the same.' I regained my composure while undergoing medication and psychotherapy." He had previously revealed that he experienced physical symptoms of anxiety, with his arms and legs trembling, when his social media followers surged.
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which intense anxiety and fear suddenly overwhelm a person, accompanied by physical symptoms despite there being no specific physical abnormality or actual danger. It can affect anyone in modern society who faces excessive responsibility and scrutiny from others, including not only entertainers and athletes but also employees entrusted with major responsibilities and students preparing for exams.
Psychiatrists believe the disorder develops through the combined effects of biological factors, such as imbalances in neurotransmitters in the brain (including serotonin and norepinephrine), and psychosocial factors, such as sudden changes in one’s environment or stress.

In cases like Heo Sung-tae's, the pressure to 'live up to expectations' and intense fear of failure that follow sudden success often overstimulate the brain's amygdala (the region that regulates anxiety and fear), triggering an attack.
Major symptoms include palpitations, with the heart beating as if it might burst; shortness of breath and a feeling of being unable to breathe; trembling hands and feet and cold sweats; dizziness; and a sense of unreality. In particular, intense fear that 'I might die' or 'I might lose control and go crazy' tends to peak for 20–30 minutes before gradually subsiding. Afterwards, anticipatory anxiety—'What if I have another attack?'—may lead people to avoid social interactions or activities.
Specialists stress that, because panic disorder is an 'illness' rather than a matter of willpower or a result of weakness, it is important not to feel ashamed or simply endure it, but to seek professional treatment early.
Treatment is broadly divided into medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Medication, such as antidepressants (SSRIs) or anti-anxiety drugs, helps balance neurotransmitters in the brain and stabilize physical responses, and is effective at quickly reducing the frequency of attacks. Combining it with psychotherapy that corrects 'distorted thoughts about being judged' and helps patients understand that physical symptoms are not life-threatening can greatly increase the cure rate.
When breathing becomes rapid and anxiety surges in daily life, 'diaphragmatic breathing'—slowly inhaling for four seconds, holding the breath for four seconds, then exhaling slowly over six seconds—can help stabilize the autonomic nervous system. Limiting caffeine and alcohol, which can trigger anxiety, and exercising regularly with aerobic activity can also help.


[email protected] Moon Young-jin Reporter