Kim Jaejoong Uncovers His Parents' Hidden Past on 'New Release Convenience Store'

On the recent episode of KBS 2TV's 'New Release Convenience Store,' Kim Jaejoong discovered surprising secrets about his parents' past.

During the episode aired on the 19th, Kim Jaejoong shared concerns about his mother's health, revealing, "She previously had hip and knee surgeries, and now it's her ankle. She has no cartilage left." His father expressed regret, saying, "I promised her she wouldn't have to lift a finger after marriage, but she ended up suffering."

The episode unveiled the tumultuous story of Kim Jaejoong's father, who was once a wealthy man. He shared, "I was the richest man in Cheongyang when I was in the transportation business," recalling a time when he owned hundreds of suits. His mother reminisced, "Back then, we lived off what he earned."

However, after investing a large sum in a gas station business proposed by acquaintances, he went bankrupt within a year, losing everything and incurring a debt of 100 million won. At the time, an apartment in Apgujeong was worth about 8.65 million won.

He confessed, "The shock of the business failure drove me insane. People called me a lunatic," revealing he had many close calls with death due to his mental breakdown.

Kim Jaejoong's mother shared, "After the gas station failed, my husband had a spiritual illness. He seemed out of his mind, like a madman," revealing a past even their nine children were unaware of.

To heal, his father shaved his head and went to a temple on a monk's advice, leaving his mother to care for their nine children alone. She started selling ginseng, snacks, and tangerines on the street, saying, "I couldn't even die if I wanted to."

She recalled, "While selling ginseng, my husband came down from the temple and apologized, asking for a bowl of soup. That moment touched me deeply. Even though we had nothing, he still cared for me. I truly went through a lot." Her husband expressed remorse, saying, "I made you suffer. I'm a sinner."

Meanwhile, she managed to repay the 100 million won debt by selling jokbal, barley rice, and sujebi at a store given by her sister-in-law. The business thrived after a delivery to a police station, earning 30 to 40 million won a month.

Kim Jaejoong, who helped with deliveries, shared, "I was embarrassed to deliver with a round silver tray covered with newspaper. I took longer routes to avoid friends. Looking back, it was nothing."

His mother recounted, "On the opening day of a new restaurant, a fortune teller said, 'Your hardships are over,' and predicted a descendant would become famous. They advised not to sell the store until that child marries. So, I haven't sold it yet. I'll sell it when my son marries." Kim Jaejoong humorously pleaded, "We still have that store. I maintain it. Just sell it."

Kim Eun-jung, TenAsia Reporter eun@tenasia.co.kr