From reel to real: A K-drama star’s health battle spotlights disease awareness
For fans of Korean dramas (K-dramas), the protagonists — their favorite actors or “biases” — often seem to embody our fantasies of a perfect world, where a perfect relationship leads to a perfect life. But what if these K-drama heroes are actually struggling with illness or facing personal hardships in real life? That realization could break the hearts of their devoted fans.
Popular K-drama actor Lee Dong-gun, known for his roles in Lovers in Paris, Sweet 18, Stained Glass, and Hello Mr. Right, recently opened up about facing a serious health challenge. The 45-year-old actor and singer revealed during his appearance on SBS’s My Little Old Boy that he has been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine and can cause bones to fuse over time. The revelation came after Lee sought medical help for persistent eye pain and recurring uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer of eye tissue. Tests later showed severe inflammation in his sacroiliac joint, confirming the diagnosis.
What is AS?
According to the Mayo Clinic, ankylosing spondylitis, also called axial spondyloarthritis, is an inflammatory disease that can cause the bones of the spine to fuse, leading to stiffness, reduced flexibility, and a hunched posture. In severe cases, it can also affect the ribs and make deep breathing difficult. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH) reports that the condition may extend beyond the spine to other joints such as the hips, knees, and ankles. The Spondylitis Association of America notes that rheumatologists typically diagnose the disease through a combination of X-rays, blood tests (including HLA-B27), and a detailed review of the patient’s medical and family history.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis varies across regions, affecting about 23.8 per 10,000 people in Europe, 16.7 in Asia, 31.9 in North America, 10.2 in Latin America, and 7.4 in Africa. WHO also projects that cases of ankylosing spondylitis and other musculoskeletal disorders could rise by at least 50% between 2020 and 2050.
Ankylosing spondylitis is considered a relatively rare condition, affecting roughly one in every 1,000 people, according to Harvard Health. Although its exact cause remains unclear, it often runs in families, suggesting a genetic link. The disease most commonly develops in otherwise healthy young men, who are about ten times more likely to be affected than women. While symptoms typically appear between the ages of 20 and 40, cases can also occur in children.
Tell-tale signs
Screengrab from SBS Entertainment
As the saying goes, the eyes are the windows of the soul—and often, of one’s health. For actor Lee Dong-gun and others living with ankylosing spondylitis, inflammation can extend beyond the spine, most commonly affecting the eyes. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the disease usually begins in early adulthood and can cause recurring back pain, stiffness, and loss of flexibility. Some patients, aside from uveitis, or eye inflammation, also suffer with skin conditions like psoriasis and gut problems such as inflammatory bowel disease. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint pain in the ribs or knees, and difficulty taking deep breaths. Health direct Australia adds that the pain and stiffness typically last for more than three months, worsen at night or during rest, and improve with physical activity.
Risk factors
Ankylosing spondylitis can be influenced by several risk factors. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the condition usually begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and occurs more frequently in men. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that heredity plays a significant role, as those with a family history of the disease are more prone to developing it. Most patients experience symptoms before the age of 45, though it can also appear in childhood or adolescence. Individuals with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or psoriasis face an increased likelihood of developing ankylosing spondylitis.
Treatment and management
There is currently no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but proper treatment can help ease symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) states that while no single therapy works for everyone, medications, particularly newer biologic drugs, have shown promise in reducing inflammation and potentially delaying spinal damage. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends a combination of exercise, physical or occupational therapy, and pain- or inflammation-relieving medications to maintain mobility and posture. The Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) also advises practical self-care measures, such as using hot or cold pads, maintaining good posture, choosing a medium-firm bed, limiting pillow use, quitting smoking, and wearing orthotics for foot or heel discomfort.
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