Park Seo-jin declares estrangement from his mother amid her thyroid cancer scare.
On the October 25th episode of KBS2's 'Salim Nam,' special guest NCT WISH's Sion appeared, sharing the spotlight with Park Seo-jin's emotional story about his mother's health concerns and Ji Sang-ryeol's 'Girlfriend Introduction' episode with close friend Shin Dong-yup. The episode garnered a nationwide viewership rating of 6.0% according to Nielsen Korea, with Park Seo-jin's shocking statement, "I will quit being a singer," reaching a peak rating of 7.1%.
In the opening, NCT WISH's Sion expressed his desire to appear on 'Salim Nam,' saying, "I can fill in for Park Seo-jin when he's busy," subtly hinting at his eagerness to join the show. Park Seo-jin jokingly asked, "If you're from Mokpo, do you have a boat?" to which Sion replied, "No boat, but my parents raised over 100 cows." Feeling the pressure, Park Seo-jin asked, "Can you play the janggu (Korean drum)?" Sion confidently responded, "I can play the big drum," prompting MC Eun Ji-won to humorously conclude, "You two can play the drum and janggu together," eliciting laughter.
The following VCR showed Park Seo-jin and his sister Hyo-jung heading to Samcheonpo with serious expressions. Park Seo-jin explained, "I had to rush down because my parents haven't been in touch for days," as he continuously tried to reach his parents and brother by phone. After a long wait, his brother answered, revealing that their mother had gone to the hospital for a biopsy due to a suspected thyroid cancer. Park Seo-jin expressed his frustration, "If something this serious happens, you should tell me right away. Why keep it a secret?" and headed straight to the hospital where his mother was.
Five days earlier, Park Seo-jin's parents visited a hospital in Samcheonpo with worried faces. Having previously battled cervical cancer, Park Seo-jin's mother expressed her concerns, "If it's cancer again, how do I tell my children? I don't want them to suffer like before. Chemotherapy is expensive too." In response, Park Seo-jin's father revealed his decision to sell his lifelong companion and lifeline, his boat, to prepare for his wife's treatment, touching everyone.
Filled with anxiety and worry, the couple entered the examination room. The doctor recommended a biopsy, noting, "The initially discovered 2.2cm nodule has grown to 2.4cm," and added, "Due to its location, general anesthesia and hospitalization are required." Despite the situation, Park Seo-jin's mother was anxious about her children finding out, saying, "Seo-jin worked hard on the boat while others studied. I kept it a secret to ease his worries," revealing her guilt-ridden heart.
Ultimately, Park Seo-jin's mother underwent surgery without her children's knowledge, and Park Seo-jin and his sister arrived at the hospital room three days later. Overwhelmed with frustration, Park Seo-jin lashed out, "Even if I'm busy, you should tell me. Are you going to keep it a secret forever? Will you contact me from the coffin after you die? It's frustrating and annoying," and declared, "Let's cut ties if that's how it's going to be." Having lost two brothers and witnessed his mother's cervical cancer battle at a young age, Park Seo-jin was particularly sensitive. He had consistently urged his mother to seek medical attention, making her hospitalization even more distressing.
In the tense atmosphere, the family awaited the biopsy results together. Still unable to calm his emotions, Park Seo-jin said, "If it's cancer again, I'll quit being a singer. It's not right to be singing and dancing while my parents are sick," piercing his mother's heart. She replied, "Are you going to give up your dreams because of me again?" expressing her sadness.
After a moment, fear overcame Park Seo-jin as his anger subsided. He tearfully asked, "Why does this keep happening to our family?" and "Why didn't you take better care of yourself?" His mother repeatedly apologized, and Park Seo-jin took some time alone to compose himself. His mother, noticing his tearful eyes, watched him closely, while Park Seo-jin reassured her, "It's not cancer. Even if it is, we'll get through it with proper treatment."
Finally, the biopsy results were revealed, and the family entered the examination room with trembling hearts. Fortunately, it was diagnosed as a hemangioma, not cancer, with no risk of recurrence, bringing relief to everyone. Park Seo-jin's mother shared, "Last night, I dreamt of my two sons in heaven. When I asked if I should join them, they told me not to come. It seems it's not my time to go yet," she said, shedding tears of longing for her sons.
Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr