The revelation came during the September 28 episode of SBS’s My Little Old Boy, where Lee shared his health struggles. He explained that his initial symptoms began with recurring uveitis, an eye condition that causes inflammation, pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. “When it gets severe, the light feels unbearable, and my vision becomes blurry. At first, it was terrifying,” Lee admitted, adding that he had endured the condition for a year with regular antibiotics and eye drops.
Doctors linked his recurring uveitis and suspected sacroiliac joint inflammation to ankylosing spondylitis, noting the disease progressively stiffens the spine. “It’s genetic, so it requires lifelong management. If not managed properly, it can worsen even when symptoms seem under control,” the physician emphasized.
Lee, known to enjoy alcohol and smoking, was advised to quit both alongside sugar and flour, while boosting anti-inflammatory nutrients like Vitamin C.
Interestingly, the doctor recommended perilla oil for inflammation relief. Following the advice, Lee visited a perilla oil specialty restaurant, ordering dishes like buckwheat noodles, risotto, and salad. Watching others drink alcohol, he humorously lifted a glass of perilla oil instead, grimacing at the taste. The scene drew laughter but also concern, as viewers wondered whether the actor, a self-professed heavy drinker, would truly be able to quit alcohol for the sake of his health.
Previously, the September 21 preview of SBS’s variety show My Little Old Boy showed Lee Dong Gun visiting a hospital after suffering from unexplained pain. Appearing with bloodshot eyes, Lee revealed to the doctor, “It happens at least once a month. There were times when the pain was unbearable. I felt like something was stabbing me under my trapezius muscle with an awl. Even just breathing feels like being pierced.”
The doctor then diagnosed, “Based on your symptoms, it’s likely a rare disease that only about 1% of Koreans suffer from,” shocking both Lee and his mother, who was also present.
Lee Dong Gun married actress Jo Yoon Hee in 2017, and the couple welcomed a daughter, Roa, before divorcing in 2020. Custody of Roa was given to Jo Yoon Hee.
Earlier in May, Lee was rumored to be dating Kang Hae Rim, who is 16 years his junior. While neither party officially confirmed the relationship, the two were spotted on dates around Gangnam, and Lee reportedly told acquaintances that he was “happy.”
Sources: Daum
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