Former basketball player and broadcaster Heo Jae (60) has drawn attention by mentioning his wife, who must have felt upset seeing him lethargic after leaving the basketball world, as he earnestly challenges himself to a marathon despite his declining physical strength.
In the third episode of MBN's special program for its 30th anniversary, "You Have to Run to Live," the "Running Crew" showcased their growth through a grueling group training session leading up to a "10km marathon" competition.
"You Have to Run to Live" is a sports reality show featuring 16 stars with different stories as they challenge themselves to a marathon and overcome their limits. Sean, known as the "Marathon Angel," and Lee Young-pyo, a "Football Legend," serve as the team leader and deputy leader, while veteran sports caster Bae Seong-jae and versatile entertainer Yang Se-hyung join as the marathon commentators. Heo Jae, Yang Jun-hyuk, Choi Jun-seok, and Yulhee are among the participants.
On this day, the "Running Crew," gathered for group training, shared the results of their "running homework" they had completed over the past month and encouraged each other.
First, Choi Jun-seok surprised everyone by saying, "I never dieted during my baseball career, but I was told that losing weight is necessary to do well in marathons, so I started eating one meal a day. I lost about 4-5 kg," showing that everyone was doing their best in their own situations.
Bang Eun-hee shared, "After my son went to study abroad in the U.S., I lived like a homebody, but running has made me go outside more, which has become a source of vitality. My son supports me too. As my body and mind become healthier, I feel more motivated to challenge myself," revealing her drastically changed daily life.
Heo Jae also started by saying, "My family encourages me to be careful and not get hurt while exercising." He continued, "My wife must have felt upset watching me laze around, but now that I'm doing marathons, she is happy. I feel good too," which brought a touching moment.
Sean, the team leader, expressed his satisfaction with the changes in the "Running Crew," saying, "Everyone can complete the marathon. It's just a matter of how long it takes to get there," and encouraged them by saying, "Effort never betrays you."
Earlier, Heo Jae confessed, "I have heart problems and have been visiting the hospital. I have arrhythmia and it's not easy to run a marathon."
At that time, he mentioned, "I also have depression and lethargy. I stayed at home for a month or two. The kids have all grown up, and my wife is out, and I started feeling depressed." He finished last in a mission to complete 5km in under 35 minutes, stating, "I thought my challenge might bring hope to those around me. I also thought it could become a new source of vitality in my life."
Heo Jae is currently out of the basketball scene. He has received a "prohibition of registration" sanction, which means he can no longer perform any role related to professional basketball, including as a coach, team representative, front office, or association executive.
