From 'Elementary Grad, IQ 90' to World-Renowned Pain Specialist, Dr. Ahn Kang Shares Incredible Life Story on 'Neighbor Millionaire'

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From 'Elementary Grad, IQ 90' to World-Renowned Pain Specialist, Dr. Ahn Kang Shares Incredible Life Story on 'Neighbor Millionaire'

Doyoon Jang · December 17, 2025 at 00:50

The incredible rags-to-riches story of Dr. Ahn Kang, a physician who overcame the labels of 'elementary school graduate' and 'IQ 90' to become a globally sought-after pain management expert, will be revealed on EBS's 'Neighbor Millionaire'.

Tonight, May 17th, at 9:55 PM, 'Neighbor Millionaire' will feature the life-changing journey of Dr. Ahn Kang, a renowned authority on chronic pain who has captivated the world. Dr. Ahn is a pain specialist with an international reputation, with clients including Qatari royalty, high-ranking officials, and global entrepreneurs who travel to him for treatment.

The show will delve into Dr. Ahn's surprising past, a stark contrast to his current success. He shared a candid confession: "My highest level of education was elementary school graduation." After graduating from elementary school, his family faced financial hardship due to his father's business failure, forcing him to drop out in his first year of middle school. He also recalled a painful memory from that time when a visiting teacher told his mother, "Kang has an IQ of 90, so don't make him study."

However, a chance encounter led Dr. Ahn to pursue his dream of attending medical school. He described meeting a stranger in a building he entered to escape the rain as a fateful moment. He expressed deep gratitude, calling this individual "the benefactor of my life." The identity of this pivotal figure and the words that changed his life will be unveiled during the broadcast.

Furthermore, the episode will spotlight Dr. Ahn's unique double life as both a 'pain-taming doctor' and a 'bus-driving volunteer.' Over 20 years ago, he spent 50 million won to purchase and convert a used bus. To this day, he travels across the country in this bus, providing services to underserved communities and individuals who have difficulty accessing medical care. He revealed that each volunteer trip costs over 10 million won, astonishing everyone.

Host Seo Jang-hoon expressed his sincere admiration, calling it "true 'Deok-eop-il-chi' (a neologism meaning passion and profession align)." The true reasons behind the double life of millionaire doctor Ahn Kang, who is completing his life's journey through medicine and volunteerism after starting as an 'elementary school boy,' and the identity of the benefactor who changed his life, will be revealed tonight at 9:55 PM on EBS's 'Neighbor Millionaire.'

Korean netizens reacted with awe and admiration, commenting, "He's truly an amazing doctor," "It's inspiring to see him achieve his dreams despite difficult circumstances," and "I was moved to tears hearing about his bus volunteer work."

#Ahn Kang #Seo Jang-hoon #Neighbor Millionaire #EBS