Kim Jaejoong Moved to Tears by Parents' Struggles on 'Fun-Staurant'

Kim Jaejoong was moved to tears upon hearing his parents' tumultuous life stories for the first time.

On the September 19th episode of KBS2's variety show 'Fun-Staurant', the show aired its first 'Mom's Touch Special' in celebration of the upcoming Chuseok holiday. Known for its family-centric themes, the episode featured Kim Jaejoong, a culinary genius and national filial son, alongside the eternal marine boy Park Tae-hwan. The episode recorded a viewership rating of 4.1% in the metropolitan area.

During the episode, Kim Jaejoong expressed concern for his mother, who suffers from knee, hip, and ankle issues. His father shared his regrets, saying, "I promised she wouldn't have to lift a finger, but all I did was make her suffer." Kim Jaejoong's mother then joined them and shared her tumultuous past, revealing stories even Kim Jaejoong had never heard before, leaving the 'Fun-Staurant' crew shocked.

Kim Jaejoong's father, who had a privileged youth, ventured into the transportation business after marriage and initially found success. However, after joining a friend's business proposal, he faced a massive failure, accumulating a debt of 100 million won in the 1980s—a staggering amount at the time. He recalled, "I was so shocked that I couldn't recognize people. They called me insane."

Kim Jaejoong's mother reminisced about those times, saying, "Your father went through a lot of ups and downs, even facing death multiple times." His father eventually suffered a mental breakdown and lived in a temple for a while, leaving Kim Jaejoong's mother to support their nine children alone. She worked tirelessly, from street vending to restaurant jobs, to provide for her family.

Reflecting on those times, Kim Jaejoong's mother said, "Even when I wanted to die, I couldn't." Despite the hardships, she seized an opportunity by starting a restaurant, which became a turning point in her life. She opened a restaurant in Gongju, serving dishes like pig's feet, hand-pulled dough soup, and barley rice, which became a hit through word of mouth, even without social media. Within a year, she paid off the entire debt and tearfully embraced her husband. Hearing this, Kim Jaejoong was both amazed and deeply moved, saying, "Mom, you're incredible."

Kim Jaejoong then made hand-pulled dough soup with his mother, a dish filled with her love and dedication to their family. He also prepared pig's feet, adding his own twist to his mother's recipe.

Park Tae-hwan, the eternal marine boy, also showcased a wonderful chemistry with his mother. He visited the home he bought for his parents after becoming the world's top swimmer at 19. Park Tae-hwan warmly embraced his mother, showing his affectionate side. Both he and his mother share a strong athletic spirit and competitive nature, leaving viewers eager to see what dishes they will create together in the 'Mom's Touch Special.'

By Taeyuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr