SHINee’s Key Talks About His Grandmother’s Special Gomtan Kept Frozen for 13 Years

SHINee's Key recently shared a deeply personal family tradition, revealing that he has preserved his grandmother's soup for 13 years, as his birthday coincides with her memorial day.

On the September 19th episode of MBC's variety show 'Home Alone,' viewers were given an intimate look into Key's daily life.

During the episode, Key visited the National Cemetery in Yeongcheon, where his paternal grandparents are interred. He recounted, "My grandfather fought in the Korean War and was discharged after being shot in the ankle."

He added, "My great uncle also served in the Korean War and is at another national cemetery. My maternal grandfather served in the Vietnam War and is at the Daejeon National Cemetery. I even served my duty at the National Cemetery," underscoring his family's proud military heritage.

Key reflected on spending much of his childhood with his grandparents due to his parents' demanding work schedules. "September is my birthday month, and it coincides with my grandmother's memorial day. She passed away when I became an adult. For a couple of years, I couldn't even look at a cake," he admitted.

After spending time with his mother in Daegu's Dongseong-ro, Key returned home. His mother surprised him with a birthday cake, a cash gift, and a letter from his father. The birthday meal she prepared included beef bone soup, made using his late grandmother's recipe.

Key expressed the emotional weight of the meal, saying, "The last soup my grandmother made is still in the freezer. I can't bring myself to eat it. It's been frozen for 13 years and has never been thawed. I've moved it with me every time I've relocated."

Reported by Taeyuna, TenAsia youyou@tenasia.co.kr