The Shocking Moment on ‘My Little Old Boy’
When Lee Dong Gun showed up on SBS’s My Little Old Boy with a painfully bloodshot eye, fans were immediately concerned. And they were right to be. The actor went on to reveal he’s battling ankylosing spondylitis, a rare autoimmune disease that affects just 1% of the Korean population—and he’s been quietly dealing with its terrifying symptoms for over a year.
‘Like Being Stabbed With a Needle’
The symptoms? Brutal. “The pain feels like I’m being pierced with needles,” Lee confessed. “Even breathing can hurt.” He described his vision becoming blurry, sensitivity to light, and severe inflammation recurring monthly in one eye—classic signs of uveitis, the first red flag that led to his broader diagnosis.
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
While uveitis is an eye condition, it’s often just the beginning. The culprit behind it, in Lee’s case, is ankylosing spondylitis—a disease where the spine and joints gradually stiffen due to inflammation. Over time, this can severely restrict movement.
The condition doesn’t just show up on physical scans; it shows up in daily agony. Lee revealed he gets flare-ups about five times a month. “There’s pain under my trapezius muscle,” he noted. “It stretches from my neck down my back. Some days, I have trouble even breathing.”
From Cervical Hernia Suspicions to Reality Check
Ten years ago, Lee suspected it might be a neck disc issue. But after extensive genetic and X-ray tests, doctors confirmed it was ankylosing spondylitis. Images of untreated cases were shared on-air, leaving not just the actor but the audience in shock.
“This isn’t just an eye problem,” the doctor explained. “It’s a systemic disease. It requires lifelong treatment.” That means lifestyle changes—no alcohol, smoking, sugar, or even wheat.
A Mother’s Tears and Fans’ Support
What hit hardest? Watching Lee’s mother tear up. “I thought it was just his eye,” she said. “I wish I could take the illness for him.”
Online fans flooded social media with support: “The X-ray images were terrifying,” one fan wrote. “I really hope he stays strong and manages it well.”
Chronic Illness, Chronic Strength
Despite the pain, Lee Dong Gun is facing his reality head-on. It’s a sobering insight into the hidden struggles even beloved stars endure. While there’s no cure yet, his openness brings visibility—and a little extra humanity—to a condition many have never heard of.
And maybe, just maybe, by sharing his journey, he’s helping someone else get the early diagnosis they didn’t know they needed.
