Heartfelt Farewells and Emotional Revelations on 'Jeong Seung-jae's Boarding House' Finale

Comedian Jeong Hyeong-don was moved to tears as he reminisced about his late mother.

On the final episode of T-Cast E Channel's variety show 'Life's Beatdown: Jeong Seung-jae's Boarding House' aired on the 28th, viewers witnessed the heartwarming journey of the '67-year-old high school student' and other boarders, with an average age of 17.7, as they revisited their past wounds and encouraged each other's futures.

On the last night before leaving the boarding house, the residents went for a night walk. They visited the high school of Kim Young-sook, a 'late-blooming student' aged 67, and each indulged in their memories. Kim recited a self-written poem in her classroom, delivering a hopeful message: "It's okay to take a break, it's okay to be clumsy. Today, we dream again," which resonated deeply with everyone. Following this, Jeong Hyeong-don hosted an impromptu venting session called 'Open Your Heart at the Boarding House.' The first to speak was Kim Ria, 16, who recalled the pain of being punished by being locked in an art storage room and the hurtful words she endured, exclaiming, "School, why didn't you help me?"

Bang Ji-young, 17, also shared her trauma of facing baseless discrimination at school, expressing her plans to re-enroll in high school, which garnered support from everyone. Hong Hyuk, 17, opened up about the discrimination and bipolar disorder he faced during his time in the sports team, thanking a teacher who was a great support. Next, Lee Si-eun, 18, revealed her struggles with bullying but expressed her determination to find good people in college. Kim Ah-ram, 18, spoke about her low self-esteem from juggling sports and studies, which led to her dropping out, but confidently stated, "I've found my career path and things I want to do now." Kang Ha-eum, 17, also shared her difficult memories, vowing, "I want to be someone who can confidently say I'm happy."

After the boarders finished sharing, Jeong Seung-jae took the podium at Jeong Hyeong-don's request. However, he was overwhelmed with emotion, saying, "I feel so inadequate," as he wiped away tears. After composing himself, he admitted, "I think I pushed you too hard for not keeping up with math, thinking I was motivating you. I'm sorry." He continued, "I didn't realize how tough life is for you young ones. I hope you continue to live bravely, just as you shared your stories courageously."

The next day, Jeong Seung-jae took the 'dropout crew' out, promising to take their first-ever ID photos. Before the shoot, they visited a shop to make wallets for their ID cards. Jeong humorously made a pill case instead of a wallet, and continued a shopping spree, buying cup holders and more. Jeong Hyeong-don teased, "You're on a shopping spree!" to which Jeong Seung-jae replied, "This is why we earn money!" The receipt from their purchases ended up being taller than Jeong Seung-jae himself. They then went to the studio where Jeong Seung-jae films his online lectures to take the photos. Transforming into 'Jeong Photo,' he captured unique and memorable ID photos for the boarders.

Back at the boarding house, the residents enjoyed games like Mafia and board games, reminiscent of a school trip. For dinner, they had a dish popular among Gen Z, mala soup, which they prepared together, leading to a joyful meal. Afterward, they wrote letters to their parents, expressing gratitude for their sacrifices, apologies for harsh words, and their future resolutions, shedding tears as they read them aloud.

In particular, Kang Ha-eum's confession, "I'm sorry for not living an ordinary life," prompted Jeong Hyeong-don to comfort her, saying, "To parents, their children are always special, no matter what life they lead." However, while listening to Kim Ah-ram's letter, Jeong Hyeong-don suddenly broke down in tears, recalling his mother who passed away three years ago. He expressed his regret, saying, "I was so busy with life that I forgot. I'm sorry I couldn't do better while she was alive."

Kim Young-sook left a lasting impression with a letter expressing gratitude to her family in place of her late parents and to the young boarders who called her 'sister.' The boarders, each carrying their own pain and worries, embraced each other, forming a deep bond and beautifully coloring their last night at the boarding house.

On the morning of their departure, Jeong Seung-jae attempted to make japchae for the first time. He called his mother for the recipe, but she humorously replied, "Japchae is too complicated, I've never made it," while on a walk. Despite this, Jeong successfully completed the dish, surprising everyone with his culinary skills. The breakfast table was further enriched with spicy pork bulgogi prepared by Han Sun-hwa and fresh vegetables from the garden.

The boarders marveled, "Is this breakfast? It feels like a birthday feast." During the final meal, Jeong Hyeong-don reassured them, "You can now say you've been on a school trip. It was even more special than a regular one," warming the hearts of those who hadn't experienced a school trip.

After bidding a bittersweet farewell to the last boarders, Jeong Seung-jae, Jeong Hyeong-don, and Han Sun-hwa began packing up. As they looked around the boarding house, filled with memories of laughter and tears, they left with a poignant sense of nostalgia. Finally, when it came time to take down the sign from the boarding house, Jeong Hyeong-don humorously left Jeong Seung-jae to do it alone, saying, "I think Mr. Jeong can handle it," handing him a ladder and tools. Jeong Seung-jae called out, "Please remember this!" as they concluded their journey at 'Jeong Seung-jae's Boarding House' with a lighthearted note.

Jeong Hyeong-don is married to Han Yu-ra, a former TV writer, and they have twin daughters. Currently, his wife and daughters reside in Hawaii for educational purposes, while Jeong commutes between Korea and Hawaii, living as a 'goose father.'

Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr