Actor Kim Jung-tae has sparked controversy by admitting he still takes showers with his middle school-aged son.
On TV CHOSUN's 'Dad and Me Season 3', Kim Jung-tae faces conflict with his second son, Kim Si-hyun. Known for starting his mornings with a kiss from his sons, Kim Jung-tae's affectionate daily routine with his middle school sons has become a talking point. He casually suggested, "Let's shower together," preparing for a joint shower with his son. Host Jeon Hyun-moo reacted with disbelief, saying, "Showering with your dad at that age? I can't even imagine it." While his eldest son, the 'genius boy' Ji-hoo, has already gained independence in the shower, Si-hyun expressed a desire to shower alone. Kim Jung-tae, however, was adamant, stating, "I can't allow that. I can compromise on other things, but not this."
Kim Jung-tae explained his reluctance to let go of this bonding time, saying, "I just want to do something together." He added, "I've been washing him since he was born, drying his hair, and applying oil. I also check if he's gained weight or changed in any way." Jeon Hyun-moo grimaced, and Han Hye-jin expressed disapproval, saying, "That's too much." Fellow 'NEW Dad Representative' Jeon No-min humorously added, "Why not apply baby powder too?"
Kim Jung-tae's wife criticized his actions, saying, "It's excessive. Imagine treating a middle schooler like a baby, undressing him and applying lotion from head to toe. I don't understand why he continues this despite saying it's tiring." After watching the VCR, Han Hye-jin commented, "The kids must be struggling. It reminds me of the old movie 'The Trap'." Jeon Hyun-moo sided with Si-hyun, who wants 'shower independence', saying, "He must feel humiliated." Kim Jung-tae appeared flustered as Jeon Hyun-moo, Han Hye-jin, Jeon Soo-kyung, and Soobin all criticized him. Kim Jung-tae protested, "Is this really something to be criticized for?" but Jeon No-min insisted, "It is."
Meanwhile, when Kim Jung-tae suggested showering, Si-hyun expressed his dissatisfaction, leading to a tense standoff with his father. Si-hyun eventually threw his phone in frustration, prompting Kim Jung-tae to sternly ask, "What are you doing right now?" creating a tense atmosphere.
The episode airs on Wednesday, the 18th, at 10 PM on TV CHOSUN's 'Dad and Me Season 3'.
Reporter: Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr