Former marathon runner Lee Bong-joo, who suffered from an incurable disease of unknown cause, has appeared before the public in good health.
Lee appeared on the KBS current affairs and cultural program 'Morning Square' broadcast on the 14th, and noted, "You must have worried a lot about my health," adding, "I have come back before you all in good health after four years." He even ran into the studio as if to show his improved condition.
In addition, Lee stated, "My marathon record is 2 hours 7 minutes and 20 seconds, and it has not been broken for 24 years," and said, "I intend to carry this momentum to win the couple party championship."
Earlier, Lee had suspended his activities in 2020 due to a back injury. At that time, he was diagnosed with the incurable disease known as 'muscle tone disorder.' This condition occurs when there is a problem in the central nervous system that regulates the degree of muscle contraction and tension.
Lee noted, "I could not even walk by myself and had to rely on a cane to walk," adding, "At times, I had to move in a wheelchair."
He then said, "I have improved a lot now," and stated, "Last year, I completed 5 kilometers for the first time in four years." Additionally, Lee reported that he goes hiking for 1 to 2 hours every morning and also runs.
Meanwhile, Lee holds 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.