Is This Really the Same Lee Bong-ju Whose Back Was Bent? Inspiring Running Update After Overcoming Rare Disease

[Financial News] Marathoner Lee Bong-ju has shown remarkable recovery by completing a 5km run after overcoming the rare disease dystonia. This achievement stands in stark contrast to his past struggles, when his health deteriorated to the point that he relied on a wheelchair, moving and inspiring many.
On the 3rd, the YouTube channel 'With Sean' posted a video titled, "This is nothing short of a miracle... Running with Lee Bong-ju, who has made an incredible recovery."
In the video, Sean took on the challenge of reaching 100,000 steps in a single day with several participants, and Lee Bong-ju appeared as a special guest, drawing attention.
Preparing for the 5km run, Lee Bong-ju mentioned, "Last week, I ran 10km in Vietnam," before heading to the track with a light step.
Though his posture from behind showed some tension, Lee Bong-ju started running with a smile, capturing everyone’s attention.

After being diagnosed with dystonia in 2021, Lee Bong-ju’s health declined sharply—his head tilted at a 90-degree angle and his back became hunched, forcing him to rely on a wheelchair. However, through persistent rehabilitation, he regained his health. Now, not only can he stand tall and walk as before, but he is also gradually able to run again.
Watching Lee Bong-ju, Sean remarked, "Seeing you run, you look much healthier. When you appeared on our channel a year ago, you could only walk. Now, seeing you run, you look truly well." As Lee Bong-ju maintained a steady pace even on his fifth lap, Sean added, "It’s incredibly moving to see how much you’ve recovered."
He continued, "This is truly miraculous. Not long ago, even moving was difficult for you, but now, after rehabilitation, you’re able to run like this. The only word for it is ‘phoenix-like.’"
Afterward, Lee Bong-ju completed the final lap with Sean, finishing the day’s challenge. When the production team asked if he felt much better, Lee Bong-ju smiled and replied, "I’ve been improving little by little, step by step."

hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter