Lee Bongju Successfully Undergoes Rare Disease Surgery: "I Want to Run Even for 30 Minutes"

Lee Bongju's agency Run Korea released a video on their YouTube account on the 15th showing Lee Bongju's appearance before and after surgery. Photo by Run Korea YouTube video capture.

[Asia Economy Online Issues Team] Marathoner Lee Bongju, who is battling a rare disease, has reported a successful outcome from his surgery.

Lee Bongju's agency, Run Korea, released a video on their YouTube account on the 15th showing Lee Bongju before and after surgery. The agency stated, "National marathoner Lee Bongju suffered from abdominal cramp injuries for over a year and a half following his appearance on JTBC's 'Let's Play Soccer Together,' which caused significant difficulties in his daily life." They added, "He tried various treatments at his own expense, keeping surgery as a last resort, but the injury did not improve."

On June 7, Lee Bongju underwent a 6-hour-and-30-minute surgery at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Gangnam to successfully remove a spinal arachnoid cyst (located between the 6th and 7th thoracic vertebrae), and he is currently recovering.

In the video, Lee Bongju said, "The surgical outcome is generally good, and the cramping symptoms have almost completely subsided. The doctor also spoke positively, so I believe I will get better." He continued, "What matters most now is how well I manage myself and how well I recover going forward."

He added, "So many people were concerned for me, and thanks to their support, I was able to undergo the surgery successfully. I will focus on regaining my health and hope to show everyone that I can run again."

He also expressed his wish, saying, "Once I recover, I want to shout 'Bonjour Life' and run on my own feet, even if it's just for 30 minutes."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.