MBN's 'Puzzle Trip' moved audiences to tears by capturing the emotional reunion of overseas adoptee Jeon Soon-hak and his mother Kim Eun-soon after 49 years apart.
As part of MBN's 30th-anniversary special, 'Puzzle Trip' is a three-part reality travel show that follows overseas adoptees on their journey to Korea to find their missing family pieces. Supported by the Korea Creative Content Agency's 2025 Public Non-Drama Production Support, the show features adoptees completing their personal puzzles with the help of a puzzle guide.
In the episode aired on the 4th, viewers witnessed the heart-wrenching reunion of Jeon Soon-hak, who believed he was abandoned, and his mother Kim Eun-soon, who had been searching for him for 49 years. Jeon, an adoptee living in Lewiston, New York, traveled to Korea to meet his mother. For years, he hesitated to meet her, believing he was abandoned and out of respect for his adoptive parents. However, it was revealed that Kim Eun-soon had been searching for him through various media outlets for decades. Learning this, Jeon gathered the courage to meet his mother in Korea, with Choi Soo-jong and Yang Ji-eun accompanying them on their emotional day.
As the long-awaited reunion approached, Kim prepared a birthday meal for Jeon, something she had never done before. With Yang Ji-eun, she sang a personalized version of 'Return My Son Soon-hak,' originally by Lee Mi-ja, bringing tears to Yang's eyes as she felt the weight of 49 years of longing.
As the moment of meeting drew near, Kim could not contain her excitement. Upon hearing footsteps, she rushed out and immediately recognized Jeon from afar, embracing him tightly and weeping. Stroking his back, she expressed her gratitude and relief, saying, "I'm sorry, my son. Thank you for surviving. It feels like a dream. Now I can rest easy." Jeon, overwhelmed, apologized for the delay and shed tears he had held back for 49 years. Kim, seeing her son's resemblance to his father, couldn't stop looking at him, and the studio was filled with tears as the two embraced.
The room was filled with gifts Kim had prepared for Jeon over the years, including a rice cooker, pajamas, and underwear, showing her enduring love. Overwhelmed by the number of gifts, Jeon was reassured by Choi Soo-jong, who offered to send them to the U.S. A large calendar on the wall was filled with Kim's diary entries, expressing her deep love and longing for her son, moving Choi and Yang to tears.
Choi Soo-jong, deeply moved by the reunion, shared his own experience of losing his father abroad, empathizing with the unprepared separation. Yang Ji-eun, who recently lost her father, felt the reunion mirrored her dreams, calling it an unforgettable moment.
Jeon and his family, along with Choi and Yang, shared a meal prepared by Kim. Despite being unfamiliar with Korean food, Jeon ate heartily, while Kim watched with pride, saying, "Seeing my child eat fills me up." She encouraged Jeon to live happily and walk a path of joy.
As the time for farewell approached, Jeon's uncle asked to touch his face, and Kim requested one last hug. Holding back tears, Kim finally broke down after Jeon left, calling out his name and weeping, having hidden her tears to avoid burdening him.
The episode captured another miraculous reunion, deeply touching viewers. Jeon's courage and Kim's relentless search for her son moved Choi Soo-jong, Kim Won-hee, Kim Na-young, and Yang Ji-eun to tears. Choi was overwhelmed when Kim said, "I searched so much. I didn't abandon you," while Kim Won-hee couldn't stop crying, empathizing with Kim's long wait. As Kim bid farewell, Kim Na-young cried out like a mother, and Yang Ji-eun offered comfort through song.
The final episode of MBN's 'Puzzle Trip' will air next Thursday at 10:20 PM.
Reporter: Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia one@tenasia.co.kr