Former Marathon Runner Lee Bong-joo Shares Health Recovery Journey

Former marathon runner Lee Bong-joo (이봉주), who has been battling a rare disease, recently updated fans on his improved health. Appearing on the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' (유 퀴즈 온 더 블럭) on July 23, he stated, "As you can see, I'm doing better now. I can walk well and even run a little bit."

Lee began experiencing unexplained pain in January 2020 and was diagnosed with 'dystonia' (근육긴장이상증) the following year. This condition affects the central nervous system, leading to involuntary muscle contractions and twisting of the body. During a previous broadcast, he shocked viewers by showing how his neck could bend at a 90-degree angle, evoking public sympathy.

Reflecting on his struggles, Lee recalled, "While filming, my stomach would start running uncontrollably. It gradually got worse, and I couldn't manage it anymore. I couldn't lie down, my back was constantly bent, and I experienced repeated abdominal spasms." He expressed his frustration, saying, "Why did this illness happen to me? It was so frustrating."

His wife, Kim Mi-soon (김미순), who also appeared on the show, shared their challenging journey. "For 19 months, we visited various hospitals, including university hospitals and traditional medicine clinics, but his condition worsened. We received prescriptions without knowing the cause. We tried nerve block surgeries and everything else possible," she explained. She described the emotional toll, saying, "It felt like the sky was falling. It was like passing through a tunnel with no light. I felt like crying every day."

When conventional treatments failed, Lee decided to follow his wife's advice to find alternative methods. Kim took it upon herself to create a diet using seasonal ingredients, prepared all his meals, and provided massages for two and a half years. Thanks to her dedication, Lee gradually began to sleep better, and his abdominal spasms disappeared, leading to significant improvement in his health.

Lee remarked, "It felt like I went through hell for four years." As he started to feel better, he felt the urge to exercise again, saying, "I began to think I should start working out, so I went hiking and walking." He made a remarkable comeback by participating in the 28th Samcheok Hwang Young-jo International Marathon (제28회 삼척 황영조 국제마라톤대회) held in April last year, where he ran approximately 100 meters, showcasing a 'miracle.'

In closing, Lee expressed his gratitude to his wife, stating, "Thank you for always being my support. You've endured so much over these four long years. I feel I need to treat you well for the rest of my life."