Two teenage boys with progeria, also known as aging disease, have met again in Jeju. It has been a year since the two saw each other in Jeju for treatment.

Won-gi lives in Korea, however his best friend Miguel flies all the way from Colombia to Jeju for a regular checkup.

Here’s Todd Thacker with a report on the heartwarming friendship of the two boys.

Won-gi (원기) turned 13 this year.

Miguel, who flew all the way from Colombia, is his best friend.

They are the same age and resemble each other in height and appearance. They’re like brothers.

[slug] Progeria: A rare genetic mutation causing premature aging from age 1-2

Both boys were born with progeria, a genetic disorder that leads to premature aging.

[slug] Progeria patients age 6-10 times faster

They are teenagers but the physical condition of their bodies is closer to someone in their late 60s.

The boys have physically aged at a rate six to 10 times faster than normal.

They first met in 2014 at the Progeria Research Foundation in Peabody, Massachusetts, and meet in Jeju every year.

INTERVIEW
Hong Won-gi / Progeria patient
We meet once a year. Time does fly. I hope to see him again.
<인터뷰 : 홍원기/ 소아조로증 환자>
"(미구엘을) 1년 만에 만났는데 시간이 빠르다고 느껴지고 계속 만났으면 좋겠어요."

The two boys visited Halla General Hospital where Dr. Kim U-jin (김우진) researches aging.

[slug] Two boys receive treatment and checkup in Jeju

Dr. Kim closely examines the boys and records any changes.

INTERVIEW
Kim U-jin / Doctor, Jeju Halla General Hospital
I observe their clinical condition and run blood tests for complications of fatty liver, hyperlipidemia and heart disease.
<인터뷰 : 김우진 / 제주한라병원 진단검사의학과장>
"지방간이나 고지혈증, 심장질환 등이 생길 수 있기 때문에 그와 관련된 임상·혈액 검사를 진행할 계획입니다. "

Every year around the world, about 300 children are born with progeria.

[Reporter] Todd Thacker
[Camera] Kim Yong-min

Scientists have yet to find effective treatments for this genetic disease.

But with the support of many people, Won-gi and Miguel are both relying on and helping each other in their fight against this extremely rare disorder.

Todd Thacker, KCTV