Marathon Legend Lee Bong-ju Triumphs Over Rare Illness with Family Support

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Renowned South Korean marathoner Lee Bong-ju has opened up about his four-year battle with a rare illness and how the support of his family helped him run again.

On the October 23rd episode of tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block,' former national marathon representative Lee Bong-ju shared his inspiring story.

During the show, Lee recounted how he completed 41 marathons before suddenly experiencing abdominal cramps and a bent back. He recalled, "During a program shoot, my stomach started moving involuntarily. I couldn't lie down straight, and my back gradually bent."

After visiting numerous hospitals without a diagnosis, he was eventually diagnosed with a rare condition called muscle tension dysphonia. His wife remembered, "His throat tightened, making it difficult to swallow food or even breathe. It was a hellish time, unable to sleep for 24 hours."

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Lee confessed, "I clung to the hope of surgery, but my condition worsened." However, upon his wife's suggestion, he began recovering by eating seasonal healthy foods.

Gradually regaining his strength, Lee ran 100 meters at the Samcheok Hwang Young-jo International Marathon in April 2024. Though a short distance, it was a miracle in his words.

Lee revealed, "My desperate wish was to run with my own body, even for 30 minutes." Six months later, he was able to run 3.6 kilometers, and his wife tearfully expressed, "It was more moving than when he won a full marathon."

Reporter Na-yeon Cho, Ten Asia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr