Health and Wellness
South Korean actor Lee Dong-gun diagnosed with rare inflammatory disease
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Fans, local and global, express shock over South Korean star Lee Dong-gun's latest health update.
In a recent episode of the South Korean TV show My Little Old Boy, a glimpse into Dong-gun's daily life turned into a surprising revelation.
As the program followed the actor during a hospital visit, he opened up about severe and recurring symptoms affecting his eye.
Dong-gun revealed that he has been dealing with repeated episodes of uveitis--an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of eye tissue--for over a year. According to his doctor, the ongoing nature of the condition was unusual.
Following a thorough examination, the doctor suggested that Dong-gun might be suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition can cause some of the spine's vertebrae to fuse over time, leading to reduced flexibility, a hunched posture, and difficulty breathing if the ribs are affected.
The potential diagnosis was supported by signs of severe inflammation in Dong-gun's sacroiliac joint, visible in X-ray images.
While ankylosing spondylitis has no known cure, its symptoms can be managed to improve physical function and slow disease progression. Treatment typically includes a combination of physical therapy, regular exercise, and medication.
The singer-actor was also advised to manage his diet and avoid alcohol and tobacco to help control inflammation and support his overall health.
Lee Dong-gun first entered the entertainment industry as a singer before transitioning to acting. He rose to fame through popular dramas such as Lovers in Paris (2004), Sweet 18 (2004), Leverage (2019), and Celebrity (2023). His career spans television, film, and musical theatre.
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