1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson introduces the story of actor Lee Dong-geon, who was recently diagnosed with the rare and incurable disease ankylosing spondylitis, which affects only 1% of the South Korean population. The article discusses Lee’s experience with the condition and the challenges he faces.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 질환 | jil-hwan | disease, illness | He was diagnosed with a rare and incurable disease called ankylosing spondylitis. |
| 강직성 | gang-jik-seong | rigid, stiff | The disease he was diagnosed with is called “ankylosing spondylitis,” a rare and incurable disease. |
| 이동건은 | i-dong-geon-eun | Lee Dong-geon (subject) | Lee Dong-geon was diagnosed with a disease that affects only 1% of the South Korean population. |
| 대한민국 | dae-han-min-guk | South Korea | The disease he was diagnosed with affects only 1% of the South Korean population. |
| 인구 | in-gu | population | The disease he was diagnosed with affects only 1% of the South Korean population. |
| 송곳으로 찌르는 듯한 | song-got-eu-ro jji-reo-neun deut-han | feeling as if being stabbed by an awl | He described the pain as feeling “as if being stabbed by an awl.” |
| 고통 | go-tong | pain, suffering | He said the pain was excruciating, especially in the beginning. |
| 진단 | jin-dan | diagnosis | Lee Dong-geon was diagnosed with the rare and incurable disease. |
| 이동건 | i-dong-geon | Lee Dong-geon (name) | Lee Dong-geon was diagnosed with a rare and incurable disease. |
| 희귀병 | hui-gye-byeong | rare disease | He was diagnosed with a rare and incurable disease called ankylosing spondylitis. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
배우 이동건이 대한민국 인구 1% 만 걸린다는 희귀 난치성 질환인 ‘강직성 척추염’을 진단 받았다. 이동건은 28일 방송된 SBS 예능프로그램 ‘미운 우리 새끼’에서 이같은 사실이 밝혀졌다.
Actor Lee Dong-geon was diagnosed with the rare and incurable disease “ankylosing spondylitis,” which affects only 1% of the South Korean population. This was revealed on the SBS entertainment program “My Little Old Boy” that aired on the 28th.
이동건은 지금은 1년 동안 겪으니까 괜찮은데 처음엔 고통스러웠다고 자신의 증상을 털어놨다. 그는 10년 전에도 자다가 “송곳으로 승모근을 찌르는 듯한 느낌을 받았다”며 “숨 쉬는데도 고통스러워 조심스럽게 쉬었다”고 말했다.
Lee said that while he is now fine after experiencing it for a year, the pain was excruciating in the beginning. He also shared that 10 years ago, he had a similar experience, feeling “as if being stabbed by an awl in the trapezius muscle” and finding it painful even to breathe, so he had to be cautious.
의사는 이동건의 증상들을 보고 “일종의 강직성 척추염이라고 하는 질환일 가능성이 있다”고 말했다. 강직성 척추염은 대한민국 인구의 약 1%만 걸리는 희귀 난치성 질환이다.
The doctor, observing Lee’s symptoms, said that “there is a possibility that it is a condition called ankylosing spondylitis.” Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare and incurable disease that affects only about 1% of the South Korean population.
이동건은 당시 단순한 목디스크인줄 알았다고 했다. 하지만 의사는 이동건의 증상들이 너무 자주 반복되는 것을 보고 강직성 척추염 진단을 내렸다.
Lee thought it was just a simple cervical disc at the time. However, the doctor diagnosed him with ankylosing spondylitis after observing that his symptoms were recurring too frequently.
이동건은 현재 치료를 받고 있으며, 증상이 점점 호전되고 있다고 전했다. 그는 앞으로도 지속적인 관리와 치료가 필요할 것으로 보인다.
Lee is currently undergoing treatment and his symptoms are gradually improving. He is expected to require continuous management and treatment going forward.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What rare and incurable disease was Lee Dong-geon diagnosed with?
- What percentage of the South Korean population is affected by this disease?
- How did Lee describe the pain he experienced in the past?
- What did the doctor initially suspect based on Lee’s symptoms?
- How is Lee’s current condition and what is the outlook for his treatment?
5. Cultural and historical notes
Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare and chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It is more common in certain ethnic groups, including those of European descent. The disease can be challenging to diagnose, as the early symptoms can be similar to other musculoskeletal conditions. Lee Dong-geon’s story highlights the difficulties faced by those living with rare diseases in South Korea, where access to specialized care and support may be limited.