Singer Shin Seung-tae Opens Up About Family Struggles on 'Mr. House Husband'

Singer Shin Seung-tae recently shared his family's struggles on the KBS2 variety show 'Mr. House Husband,' which aired on January 31. The episode featured musical actress Kim So-hyun as a special guest, along with Park Seo-jin's visit to Shin Seung-tae's home and the 100-day anniversary date of the show's first official couple, Ji Sang-ryeol and Shin Bo-ram. The episode garnered a nationwide viewership rating of 4.4% according to Nielsen Korea.

During the show, Kim So-hyun introduced herself as a 'housewife' who loves homemaking and humorously hinted at her desire to become a regular on the show by mentioning her 'house husband' at home. She shared a generational gap story with her husband, Son Jun-ho, who is eight years younger, amusing the studio with anecdotes about the 63 Building in Seoul.

Kim also updated viewers on her son, Son Joo-an, who recently won a gold medal in an invention competition for disabled-friendly devices, both domestically and internationally. She further impressed the audience by revealing that her entire family are Seoul National University alumni, showcasing their exceptional 'genetic class.'

In the following VCR segment, Park Seo-jin, dressed in a full denim outfit with a pearl necklace, visited Shin Seung-tae's home. Surprised by Shin's extravagant attire, Park was warmly welcomed by Shin's family, who mistakenly believed Shin was already a regular on the show. Grateful for Park's previous help in getting Shin on the show, the family expressed their appreciation, leaving Park both amused and touched.

The family showed their sincerity by closing their morning business and preparing for Park's visit, even planning a move based on the assumption of Shin's regular appearance on the show. Shin's father jokingly suggested getting Park's autograph and preparing transfer documents, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere.

Park Seo-jin expressed his desire to help Shin, feeling a familial warmth from his family. He humorously investigated the house, pointing out potential 'dating evidence' like two pillows and couple slippers, showcasing his comedic flair.

While exploring the wardrobe, Park, Shin, and Shin's father admired Shin's stage costumes. Shin's father revealed his own TV appearance on 'Morning Yard' and playfully requested a future stage collaboration with Park, eliciting laughter.

Shin's father then invited Park to their family-run restaurant, where Park helped with dinner preparations, showcasing his skills by catching a flatfish from the tank. Shin's mother prepared a special dish for Park, who doesn't eat seafood, jokingly thanking him for his efforts to get Shin on the show.

Amidst the cheerful atmosphere, Shin's family shared their heartfelt story of losing their home to auction due to debt guarantees and living in a small room in Seoul. Shin's father opened up about his battle with stomach cancer, revealing he avoided health check-ups due to depression and was diagnosed at stage 3, undergoing 16 rounds of chemotherapy and partial stomach removal. Shin's mother shed tears recalling the difficult times, and Park empathized deeply.

Park Seo-jin admitted he initially thought Shin was carefree and well-loved, unaware of his hardships. Co-host Lee Yo-won noted their shared experiences likely brought them closer, with Park expressing his hopes for Shin's success.

In a warm conclusion, Shin's parents expressed their wish for Shin to succeed like Park, humorously asking about the next filming date. The meeting ended on a joyful note with an impromptu song performance.

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