Yoon Shi-yoon's mother, Heo Jae-yeon, has graduated from middle school as a mature student, 44 years after leaving school.
On the recent episode of SBS's variety show 'My Ugly Duckling,' actor Yoon Shi-yoon attended his mother's middle school graduation ceremony.
Yoon Shi-yoon visited the Broadcasting and Communications Middle School to celebrate his mother's graduation. After the ceremony, he visited the classroom where his mother and her classmates gathered. His surprise appearance was met with applause and cheers.
Yoon Shi-yoon presented each classmate with a bouquet of flowers, and his mother watched him with pride. He gave his mother a large bouquet, making her even happier.
Throughout her time at school, Yoon's mother had not revealed that her son was a celebrity. Yoon Shi-yoon explained, "My mother didn't mention it specifically." She shared, "I didn't say anything because my son is a celebrity. I was worried about how people would perceive him if they knew I hadn't graduated middle school. I didn't want to embarrass him."
After the graduation, Yoon Shi-yoon and his mother went to enjoy 'the flower of graduation,' a dish of black bean noodles. Yoon surprised his mother by making the noodles himself, bringing her to tears.
Reflecting on her past, Yoon's mother said, "I couldn't graduate because of our difficult financial situation. It was hard back then." She recalled telling her own mother, "I wish I could become a grandmother soon because old people die quickly."
Yoon Shi-yoon asked, "How do you feel about middle school now? Is it still a painful memory?" His mother replied, "Not at all. I feel proud and confident now. Initially, I tried to hide it, but now I'm glad I went back to school."
When asked what she wanted to do most after graduating, she said, "I want to visit your grandfather's grave and show him my diploma. He always felt bad about me not finishing school."
Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr