Incurable Disease That Bent His Body, Lee Bong-ju Smiled Brightly: "Walking Without a Cane"

Diagnosed with 'Muscle Dystonia' 3 Years Ago

Former national marathoner Lee Bong-ju (54), who had been battling a debilitating incurable disease that caused his body to bend, is recently reported to have recovered his health.

Lee Bong-ju appeared on the MBN program 'Altoran' aired on the 17th to share his current condition. On the broadcast, he was seen standing upright with a bright smile, greeting the panelists. Lee said, "Everyone must be surprised. I can walk without a cane now."

Since January 2020, Lee had been suffering from unexplained pain and was diagnosed the following year with the incurable disease 'dystonia.' This disorder affects the central nervous system that regulates muscle contraction and tension, and in severe cases, muscles can stiffen or the body can twist. In fact, a photo of Lee in 2021 sitting in a wheelchair with a bent back was released, evoking sympathy.

He was diagnosed with the rare incurable disease 'Muscle Dystonia' in 2021. [Image source=MBN broadcast capture]

Regarding this, Lee explained, "While filming a variety show, I suddenly experienced an unexplained injury. My abdomen became hard and gradually stiffened, and my body bent involuntarily."

He added, "I visited famous hospitals, Korean medicine clinics, and even fortune-tellers and monks. However, the exact cause of the disease was not identified."

While consulting various hospitals, he learned the name of his disease was dystonia. Lee said, "During detailed examinations, I found out there was a cyst near my spine. They said removing the cyst could improve my condition by 70 to 80%, so I underwent surgery that lasted over six hours."

Marathoner Lee Bong-ju appeared on the broadcast on the 17th
[Image source=MBN broadcast capture]

The person who became his pillar during the difficult battle was his wife. Lee said, "My wife constantly encouraged me, saying 'Once COVID is over, let's show you running,' 'We need to build a body that can run,' and 'You have to do rehabilitation.' She went through a lot of hardship. Since I couldn't even drive, she took care of everything from A to Z."

Meanwhile, Lee Bong-ju is a marathoner with records including a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, a gold medal at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, victory at the 2001 Boston Marathon, and a gold medal at the 2002 Busan Asian Games. In 2009, he was awarded the Cheongryong Medal, the highest grade of the Sports Merit Award, in recognition of his achievements.