Former marathoner Lee Bong-ju shared miraculous news about overcoming a rare disease.
On the 21st, the tvN entertainment program "You Quiz on the Block" released a preview video titled "Lee Bong-ju, the rival of Jae-seok in 'Mochinso'! From his grand wedding at an international competition to miraculous stories of overcoming rare diseases."
In a recent recording, Lee Bong-ju appeared dressed in the same outfit he wore during the 'Mochinso' special, making Yoo Jae-seok beam with joy. He noted, "I only wear this outfit on important occasions" while offering a cheerful greeting, and when Cho Sae-ho asked, "Who was your rival during 'Mochinso'?" he joked, "Yoo Jae-seok," adding, "If I take off my glasses (it's just the same)," which made the studio burst into laughter.
He also revealed a special love story with his wife. Lee Bong-ju shared, "I felt she was my ideal type the moment I first saw her," and stated that he held his wedding at Jamsil Olympic Stadium, which drew surprise.
However, behind the sweet married life was a long period of illness. Lee Bong-ju recalled, "My stomach twitched involuntarily during filming," referring to the time he was diagnosed with muscle tension disorder. He shared, "I felt like I had been through hell for four years. I couldn't control my body, and it felt like it was tightening up to my neck," revealing, "I even had to get Botox in my stomach." He underwent nerve block therapy, but his condition worsened after the surgery, and ultimately his wife said, "Let's try to handle this ourselves," and the family faced the ordeal together.
Previously, he mentioned on a show, "I couldn't even lie down properly to sleep, and I was dependent on medication," expressing that his only wish was to run with his body even for just 30 minutes. He then revealed, "Now I'm 70–80% better," and stated, "I run 78 km every morning, and sometimes as much as 10 km," moving everyone.
Meanwhile, Lee Bong-ju, who represents Korea as a marathon runner, has continued to receive love and support through various broadcasting activities after his retirement. Even after overcoming a rare disease, he is striving toward a second peak with a consistent exercise routine and a positive mindset.
[Photo] Video capture.
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