[Sportschosun reporter Jung An-ji] YouTuber Park Wi moved viewers with his determination to keep up rehabilitation efforts despite being diagnosed with full-body paralysis.
On the 22nd, Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) released a teaser for "Park Wi begins a full workout at the gym using a hook strap," for "Same Bed, Different Dreams: You Are My Destiny."
The video showed Park Wi and his wife Song Ji-eun at the gym for a workout. Before exercising, Park Wi put on a gym-assist hook strap around his wrist. He explained, "I don't have the strength to grab and pull the cable. I use the hook to attach it to the ring and supplement my strength."
Park Wi has endured a long rehabilitation process after being diagnosed with full-body paralysis following a fall in 2014. Since then, he has steadily regained physical function through consistent treatment and exercise, offering hope to many.
He then pulled a piece of exercise equipment with one hand while using the other to keep his body balanced and stay focused on the workout. Without putting force into one hand, he said, he could not engage his core and his body would lean to one side.
Song Ji-eun was surprised and said, "My husband has no core strength," while a trainer explained, "When you pull, your center of gravity is usually unstable, but for him, pulling without losing that center is what makes this truly difficult." The trainer added, "This exercise works the back and biceps, so it will definitely help when he pushes his wheelchair."
Park Wi said, "Back training is important. Without back muscles, the body gradually curls forward," adding, "I may look fine now, but if I let go and there is no backrest, I would fall forward. I don't have enough core strength to hold myself up."
He then put on another strap and secured both hands firmly by tying it to a pull-up bar. He then lifted himself out of his wheelchair using only upper-body strength and completed a pull-up, drawing amazement. Seeing Park Wi perform the pull-up using only his arms and back, the MCs said, "That's truly amazing," in disbelief.
Meanwhile, Park Wi and Song Ji-eun received many congratulations after getting married in 2024.
anjee85@sportschosun.com
