Actor Lee Dong-gun shocked people after it was reported that he has a rare disease that affects about 1% of Korea's population of 51 million. After his divorce he opened a cafe and appeared to be living a second life amid reports that he was dating actress Kang Hae-rim, but sudden concerns have grown over the rare disease.
On the 21st, SBS' My Little Old Boy aired a segment showing Lee Dong-gun visiting a hospital and complaining of discomfort in his eyes.
Lee Dong-gun visited the hospital with his pupils filled with bloodshot marks, raising concern. He said, "About once a month my eyes become bloodshot or it hurts even when I'm just breathing," and revealed his current symptoms.
In particular, Lee Dong-gun explained, "When the symptoms are severe it feels like a thorn is stabbing under the right trapezius," and the doctor diagnosed, "It appears to be a rare disease that about 1% of Korea's population of 51 million experience."
Watching the video in the studio, Lee Dong-gun's mother could not hide her bewilderment, saying, "Oh my, why is my son—." Her worried expression over her son's health resonated with viewers and provoked concern.
Lee Dong-gun married actress Jo Yoon-hee in 2017 and the same year they had a daughter, Roa. He and Jo Yoon-hee developed from co-stars in a drama into lovers and then marriage, delivering a moving story, but they divorced in 2020, three years after their wedding.
After the divorce custody of their child went to Jo Yoon-hee, and left alone, Lee Dong-gun recently opened a cafe in Aewol-eup, Jeju City, which became a major topic as customers lined up and waited from the first day. But nearby merchants complained that Lee Dong-gun's side showed no consideration, causing some frowns.
Starting a new life by opening a cafe, Lee Dong-gun also drew attention over dating rumors with actress Kang Hae-rim. The two were seen on several dates in the Gangnam area of Seoul, walking without regard for onlookers, sometimes with Lee Dong-gun's arm around Kang Hae-rim's waist and shoulder or holding hands. However, Lee Dong-gun's side neither confirmed nor denied the dating rumors, saying "private life."
Despite opening a cafe and rumors of dating an actress, and seeming to live a new life five years after his divorce, dark clouds gathered when it was revealed that Lee Dong-gun has a rare disease that only 1% of the 51 million people have. Lee Dong-gun's health condition is scheduled to be revealed on the SBS' My Little Old Boy episode airing on the 28th.
[OSEN]