Why Um Ki-joon Gave Up a Role in ‘Elisabeth’ Due to His Fear of Heights

Daniel Kim | 2026.04.09

Translation result
Radio Star's Jang Do-yeon, Uhm Ki-joon / Photo: MBC
[Sports Today reporter Im Si-ryeong] Uhm Ki-joon revealed he once turned down a production because of his fear of heights.

On the April 8 broadcast of MBC's variety show 'Radio Star,' actors Kim Soo-ro, Uhm Ki-joon, Park Geon-hyung and Kim Hyung-muk appeared as guests.

During the episode, Jang Do-yeon asked Uhm if there was anything money absolutely couldn't buy.

Uhm said he has acrophobia. There was a musical that required singing three meters above the stage without a safety wire — the musical 'Elisabeth' — and he admitted he couldn't take the role.

He added that he also can't handle skywalks. While filming the drama 'Defendant,' he shot a scene where his character made a phone call from the 17th floor. Even with a harness on, he said his legs gave out after coming down and he was left physically shaken.

Kim Soo-ro sympathized, saying he has acrophobia as well. \"If you raise the height gradually, you'll get used to it,\" Kim said, adding that he's overcome about 80% of his own fear.

[Sports Today reporter Im Si-ryeong ent@stoo.com]
「Your closest, most fun news © Sports Today」