Lee Bong-ju "No change after surgery... It seems my life has reached a 'dead point'"

"Unable to even straighten my back properly in this difficult situation"
"I want to show how I overcome it through this opportunity"

Marathoner Lee Bong-ju, who shared an update after spinal arachnoid cyst surgery last June / Photo by YouTube channel 'Run Korea' capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Interest is focused on the recent condition of marathoner Lee Bong-ju, who suffers from the rare disease 'muscle dystonia,' after surgery. The athlete revealed his painful battle with the disease, saying, "Convulsions keep occurring regardless of my will," evoking sympathy.

Earlier, on the 16th, Lee visited KBS in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, to participate in the recording of the KBS entertainment program 'Immortal Songs.' At that time, he appeared in front of the camera wearing white clothes and a mask, leaning on a cane. Although his head was bent, he did not lose his bright smile.

On the broadcast of KBS 'Immortal Songs' on the 21st, Lee opened up about his physical condition after surgery. He said, "I thought I would get much better after the surgery, but it seems there is no significant change in my body," adding, "Since convulsions occur in my abdomen, I cannot straighten my back properly. It is a very difficult situation."

However, he expressed determination, saying, "Whether in marathons or life, a 'dead point' (the most painful moment) comes. I think the dead point has come in my life. I want to show how I overcome this through this opportunity."

Lee has suffered from severe back convulsions and pain since January last year. At that time, he was diagnosed with muscle dystonia and began a long battle with the disease.

The muscle dystonia Lee suffers from is a neurological disorder in which abnormal postures are continuously taken or muscles twist involuntarily, regardless of one’s will. Earlier in March, when Lee appeared on a broadcast, it was reported that his neck was severely bent forward and his symptoms were so serious that he could not straighten his back properly.

In June, Lee underwent a surgery lasting about six hours at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital in Seocho-gu, Seoul, to remove a 'spinal arachnoid cyst' (a cyst between the 6th and 7th thoracic vertebrae).

At that time, he also shared his post-surgery condition through the YouTube channel 'RUNKOREA-Run Korea.' He said, "When I recover, I want to shout 'Bonjour Life' and run on my own feet even if only for 30 minutes," adding, "Many people worried about me, so I had the surgery well. I will recover my health and show you all how I run in front of you."

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