Kim Sung-ryung Discusses Her 15-Year Journey with Spasmodic Dysphonia

On the January 22 episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block' (유 퀴즈 온 더 블럭), actress Kim Sung-ryung (김성령) opened up about her ongoing battle with spasmodic dysphonia, a voice disorder she has been managing for the past 15 years.

Kim, who first gained fame as Miss Korea in 1988, shared her unexpected journey into acting. She revealed that she felt unprepared for the profession and decided to enroll in a theater and film program at the age of 38 to build her skills from the ground up, surprising many with her determination.

Throughout her career, Kim has appeared in approximately 70 films and dramas, taking on both leading and supporting roles. She expressed her readiness to work, stating, "I am always prepared. If someone calls me, I can jump right in. I also work hard to stay fit and ready for any opportunity." Her fans affectionately refer to her as 'So Sung-ryung' (소 성령), a nickname that reflects her hardworking nature. She even switched agencies to pursue more film opportunities.

Kim's passion for theater led her to actively seek out opportunities in Daehakro, the heart of Korea's theater scene, where she expressed her desire to perform to everyone she met. She admitted to feeling a sense of urgency as she ages, wanting to learn and accomplish as much as possible while she still has the energy.

Despite her challenges, Kim has been committed to her voice training for 15 years due to her condition. She clarified that spasmodic dysphonia is not a vocal cord issue but rather a neurological one, where the brain sends incorrect signals that cause the vocal cords to tense up. Initially, she was confused about her voice issues, wondering why she couldn't speak properly.

Kim has also found that exercise has significantly helped her condition, and she has maintained a consistent workout routine for 18 years, starting her sessions at 9:30 AM. She noted that she registered for one of her workouts back in 2014, marking over a decade of dedication to her fitness.

Kim Sung-ryung's story is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of passion, even in the face of adversity.