Korean Popera Star Lim Hyung-joo Opens Up About Bullying and Family Dynamics

Lim Hyung-joo, 39, has revealed his past experiences with school bullying.

On the October 28th episode of TV CHOSUN's variety show 'Dad and Me Season 3', the world-renowned popera maestro Lim Hyung-joo's solo concert was exclusively showcased. Lim's mother and agency representative, Helen Kim, who once dreamed of being a fashion designer, has been styling all of Lim's outfits for 29 years with her exceptional fashion sense. She stated, “An artist's stage attire is a courtesy to the audience,” as she displayed a wardrobe reminiscent of a luxury boutique. As the show's director, Helen Kim was seen coordinating with the concert staff on the way to the venue, allowing Lim to focus solely on his stage performance.

Upon arriving at the venue, Helen Kim meticulously checked everything from the stage backdrop to the lighting, enhancing the concert's quality. Han Hye-jin remarked, “It looks so sophisticated now,” while Jun Hyun-moo commented, “Nothing would work without mom,” impressed by Helen Kim's directing skills. However, a disagreement arose between Lim and his mother over the encore song selection.

Lim expressed his frustration, saying, “I am someone who doesn't compromise or yield when it comes to music. It's very disappointing and annoying.” Just before the performance, as Lim was humming to warm up his voice, Helen Kim advised him to be quiet, fearing it might ruin the audience's sense of mystery. Lim lamented, “Instead of encouraging me before the performance, arguing with mom makes it twice as hard for me.”

As the concert began, Lim Hyung-joo delivered a flawless performance from the first song, earning a standing ovation. Throughout the concert, Helen Kim supported Lim by multitasking as a director and stylist. However, when Lim did not change into the prepared costume for the next song, Helen Kim was frustrated, saying, “This is driving me crazy.” Despite the hiccup, the concert concluded successfully.

After the concert, the two once again clashed over differing opinions. Helen Kim criticized, “The costume change is crucial on stage. The audience anticipates the next song, but Lim skipped it out of inconvenience. That's not professional.” Lim clarified, “I knew the stage situation and continued without changing to maintain the flow.” He also expressed his disappointment over being told to be quiet during warm-ups, saying, “It's natural to warm up in the waiting room. If I'm told to be quiet, where should I do it?”

Lim Hyung-joo, hesitating for a moment, confessed, “I still fear the stage and worry about my condition deteriorating on the day of the performance. It's like being dragged to a slaughterhouse. I wish my family would see my performances as something to be proud of.”

Upon learning of her son's need for praise, Helen Kim admitted, “I feel a bit sorry. He debuted at an age when he should have been receiving a mother's love, so I raised him strictly, fearing he might go astray. I worry that if I say 'I love you, Hyung-joo,' he might lose his passion for singing.” She added, “I might be able to say 'Your singing was beautiful' once he retires.” Lim jokingly replied, “I guess I should retire then.”

Meanwhile, Hyun Joo-yeop learned about his son Hyun Jun-hee's hospital trauma for the first time. Jun-hee, who had refused hospital visits due to a past experience of being admitted to a closed ward, shared, “The hospital felt like a cage. I had no freedom.” A difference of opinion also emerged regarding Jun-hee's academic leave. Jun-hee expressed, “Like a broken machine, I need time to regroup, but my father doesn't seem to understand that.”

To facilitate communication, Hyun Joo-yeop arranged a meeting with chef Song Hoon, who appeared on 'Black and White Chef 2'. Jun-hee and Song Hoon hit it off immediately, prompting Hyun Joo-yeop to joke, “I feel like I'm not needed here.” When Hyun Joo-yeop shared his concerns about Jun-hee's academic leave, Song Hoon mediated, saying, “Jun-hee must have his reasons. It's better to wait until he's ready, but let's not delay too long.”

Hyun Joo-yeop was shocked to learn that Jun-hee had struggled with bullying at school. Lim Hyung-joo empathized, sharing, “I had a similar experience. When I debuted in sixth grade, jealous classmates tore my textbooks and defaced my newspaper photos with 'die' written in red pen. I couldn't tell my parents out of concern.”

After Song Hoon left, a brief silence fell between Hyun Joo-yeop and his son. Hyun Joo-yeop cautiously asked, “Why do you talk more with others?” Jun-hee admitted, “It's awkward because we've never had an open conversation like this.” He added, “In this setting, it's easier to share my feelings. I had a similar experience at the hospital, where I met friends and found unexpected healing.”

Jun-hee continued, “Lately, I feel like you're trying to understand me, which makes it easier to talk. You've changed recently.” He noted that expressing himself helped relieve some of his pent-up emotions, hinting at a small but significant change in their relationship.

When Song Hoon asked if Jun-hee had a girlfriend, Jun-hee shared his first love story, revealing he had confessed to an older girl he met at the hospital but was rejected. He credited her for helping him through tough times, describing her as a “shelter.” Hyun Joo-yeop was visibly shocked by his son's first love story.

Jun-hee remarked, “I just said I liked someone, but you seemed so surprised. I've rarely seen that expression.” Hyun Joo-yeop admitted, “I saw him as a child, so hearing about his love life was shocking. I realized I need to listen and empathize more.”

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