Actress Lee Min-jung candidly shared her differing parenting views with husband Lee Byung-hun while raising their 11-year-old son, Joon-hoo. From sleep issues to eating habits and discipline methods, Lee discussed her real-life parenting challenges.
On October 28, Lee Min-jung's YouTube channel 'Lee Min-jung MJ' featured a video titled 'Meeting Choi Min-jun, the Idol of Moms with Sons, and Lee Min-jung's Tears.' In this video, Lee joined Choi Min-jun, known as the 'idol of moms with sons,' to discuss parenting concerns with other mothers.
Lee Min-jung shared three main concerns regarding her son's upbringing. She described her son as having a good personality and being well-liked among his peers, with leadership qualities. However, she noted, "He loves people so much that he struggles with being alone."
The first issue she mentioned was sleep. Lee said, "Whenever his dad isn't around, he comes to me to sleep together," adding, "At 11, he should be more independent, but he often contacts me during filming, asking, 'Mom, when are you coming home?' or 'I can't sleep without you.'" She expressed her dilemma about whether to set firm boundaries or embrace this time as elders suggest.
Choi Min-jun advised, "It's a cute and positive signal from the child's perspective," but cautioned, "Be careful of situations where it becomes difficult to refuse physical affection." He explained, "This is the time for him to learn from his mom that no matter how much you love someone, you can't hug them if they're uncomfortable."
Lee's second concern was her son's eating habits. She explained, "His dad often comments on what he eats, like 'Why eat fried food?'" She added, "I think being too strict might lead to obsession, so my husband and I have opposing views. I believe in being more lenient, while he thinks we should be stricter."
Lee noted that these differing opinions lead to confusion in their discipline approach. She said, "When there's a conflict, I wonder if parents should present a united front when disciplining, or if one should side with the child."
Choi Min-jun interpreted, "The 'fried food' issue might not just be about food; it could be a way for the dad to show his role and position to the child." He advised, "If the mom intervenes or stops it immediately, the dad might lose his place."
During the discussion, Lee Byung-hun's discipline style was also mentioned. When Choi asked if he was a strict dad, Lee Min-jung replied, "He's not particularly scary," but added, "Just calling 'Joon-hoo' in a certain tone makes our son react with surprise," eliciting laughter.
Choi Min-jun concluded, "If the dad has a voice that makes the child tense without scolding, the mom doesn't need to intervene or stop it." He also noted, "Fathers want to express their educational views within the family."
Summarizing her concerns, Lee Min-jung said, "Sleep, eating habits, and getting scolded by dad are the three most frequent issues in our daily life." She added, "The hardest part is deciding what to do when parents' opinions differ."
Lee Min-jung married actor Lee Byung-hun in 2013, and they have a son and a daughter.
Reporter: Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia bella@tenasia.co.kr