Jaejoong opened up about his difficult family history, breaking down in tears.
The KBS 2TV variety show 'Stars' Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant' on September 19, featured a special segment in celebration of the upcoming major holiday, Chuseok, focusing on home-cooked meals. In the episode, Jaejoong presented a special dish filled with family memories alongside his mother.
In the VCR segment, Jaejoong visited his family home and checked on his mother’s health. His mother, who underwent hip and knee surgeries several years ago, is now also suffering from ankle problems, which has caused much worry. Jaejoong’s father reflected on his wife’s condition, saying, "When we got married, I promised I wouldn't let her lift a finger, but I feel like a sinner toward my wife. I have nothing to say," expressing his guilt.
Jaejoong’s mother then revealed a family story that he doesn’t even remember. She explained that his father, who came from a wealthy family, was living a comfortable life with her in their younger years. However, after taking advice from others and investing a large sum in another business, he went bankrupt. She recalled, "Overnight, we were buried under an enormous debt of 100 million KRW (~71,595 USD)."
Jaejoong’s father added, "The shock was so great that I couldn’t even recognize the people around me. Everyone said I had lost my mind." His mother continued, "He went through so many hardships. There were times he came close to death," surprising Jaejoong. She also remembered, "After that, my husband began experiencing health issues. He refused shamanistic rituals at first, and he started acting strangely, almost like he was losing his mind."
Ultimately, the responsibility of the debt and raising nine children fell entirely on Jaejoong’s mother. She tearfully said, "When I think of that time, even if I wanted to die, I couldn't. But the kids would say, 'Mom, I’m hungry,' so what else could I do?" She worked various jobs, from street vending to restaurant work, to support her nine children and eventually paid off the entire 100 million KRW debt on her own.
Hearing his parents’ tumultuous story for the first time, Jaejoong was shocked and became emotional seeing his mother in tears.
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