Veteran South Korean trot singer Tae Jin Ah is widely regarded as one of the genre’s most influential figures. He is also known internationally as the father of singer Eru. Recently, he moved viewers to tears with his heartfelt devotion to his wife Lee Ok Hyung, who is gradually losing her memory due to severe dementia.
The February 16(KST) broadcast of 'Lovers of Joseon' on TV Chosun featured the couple’s daily life dealing with her illness, shown again after two years. Her condition had noticeably worsened compared to before. She now relies on a wheelchair due to limited mobility, and her doctor explained that after seven years since onset, improvement is unlikely as she is currently in a severe stage of dementia.
Despite the diagnosis, he tried to comfort his wife with what he called a white lie, telling her she had improved. He sang to her, saying “Miracles do exist, my love,” holding onto hope.
Their son Eru also stepped forward to help care for his mother. He shared that it took him three years to accept her dementia diagnosis and explained that he chose to live with his parents to assist with caregiving, including helping with her daily routines.
His final attempt to stimulate her memory was reminiscence therapy. He traveled alone to New York for the first time in 25 years, filming meaningful places connected to their past together, from streets where they once struggled to make ends meet to his mother-in-law’s gravesite, hoping the footage might help revive her memories.
It was at the gravesite that he finally broke down. Praying through tears, he said, “Please let her dementia improve. And if it cannot, please let her remain at least as she is now.” He also confessed, “I cannot cry at home because I don’t want the kids to worry, so I sometimes turn on the water in the bathroom and cry alone.”
Fortunately, his efforts appeared to bring a small moment of hope. While watching the New York footage, his wife reacted to a familiar acquaintance’s name and even sang along to the highlight of his song “Ok Kyung” for the first time in years. Though brief, the moment meant everything to the family.
Amid the harsh reality of dementia, his unwavering promise to protect his wife touched Korean viewers deeply. The episode recorded a nationwide rating of 4.1 percent, ranking first among Lunar New Year holiday variety specials.
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