Korean actress Jeon Soo-kyung, who is remarried to an American, recently attended a Korean War veterans' meeting with her 97-year-old father. The episode, aired on TV CHOSUN's variety show 'Dad and Me Season 3' on the 18th, recorded a viewership rating of 3.2%, with peak ratings reaching 3.8%.
The episode featured Jeon's father, who, despite his advanced age, showcased a lively and spirited daily life. He started his morning with a unique ramen dish, adding secret spices and vinegar from his medicine box. He also demonstrated his self-sufficiency by dyeing his hair and cutting it himself. Jeon Hyun-moo commented, “His lifestyle is similar to 'Kian84',” expressing his amazement.
After getting ready, Jeon's father visited the office of the 'Korean War Veterans Association', where he serves as vice president. The gathering included veterans with an average age of 95, including the oldest member at 98. The members, with a combined age of 651, engaged in an arm-wrestling match, creating an exciting scene. The MCs remarked, “This is a sight you can only see on 'Dad and Me'.” Jeon Soo-kyung also joined the gathering, bringing gifts for the members, who warmly welcomed her. Her father's pride was evident when a member recognized her.
During the heartwarming time spent with the elders who have lived through modern Korean history, Jeon shared, “My father-in-law is American and fought in the Korean War. I heard he suffered from war trauma for a long time, waking up screaming in the middle of the night.” The veterans shared their experiences, with one mentioning he was 17 when he fought, prompting Hyun-joo Yeop to reflect, “17 is the age of my son, Jun-hee.” Jeon Hyun-moo and Han Hye-jin expressed their sorrow, noting how young and frightened they must have been.
The veterans recounted harrowing tales from the war, saying, “You think you kill with a gun? Even if you shoot 10,000 rounds, you don’t kill. It’s the bombs that kill,” and “Who aims? You just shoot.” They also shared bitter stories of being forcibly conscripted into the battlefield as 'irregular soldiers' without military numbers. Jeon Soo-kyung reflected, “I vaguely thought war was hard, but seeing war movies, I saw my father in them. Hearing the stories of those who lived through it, I realized they overcame truly difficult times.” Jeon Hyun-moo added, “We truly forget to remember those we owe our peace to.”
Jeon Soo-kyung then took her father and his comrades to a Chinese restaurant for a meal. As crab soup was served, her father reminisced, “This reminds me of slicing buckwheat jelly during the Japanese occupation.” Surprised, Jeon remarked, “You must have attended school during the Japanese colonial period.” The chairman shared, “I was in fourth grade when liberation came. Our graduation was supposed to be on June 28, but the war broke out on the 25th, so we couldn’t graduate.” The poignant stories of young soldiers who faced the battlefield without basic rights or sustenance were deeply moving.
Jeon Soo-kyung expressed, “I was curious to see my father not just as a family member but with his friends and comrades. It was wonderful to see him draw energy from others.” She cherished the precious time spent walking through her father's life.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr