Korean Actress Jeon Soo-kyung Opens Up About Her Family's Tragic Past on TV Show

Korean actress Jeon Soo-kyung, who is remarried to an American, recently shared the heartbreaking story of losing her two older brothers on the TV CHOSUN variety show 'Dad and Me Season 3,' which aired on the 4th.

The episode featured the daily life of Jeon Soo-kyung and her father. Her 97-year-old father captivated viewers with his surprisingly healthy appearance. Jeon visited her father's home, where she playfully scolded him for the clutter of boxes and plastic bags.

Later, Jeon and her father enjoyed a meal of marinated crab at his favorite restaurant of 35 years and reminisced about the past at the site of his former tailoring shop. Walking arm-in-arm with her father, Jeon reflected, “I couldn’t imagine being affectionate with my father when I was young. My mother passed away when my father was 66, and I was 26. After my mother’s passing, I noticed my father becoming more vulnerable, and that’s when we naturally started holding arms.”

Back home, Jeon and her father looked through old family albums. Her father proudly said, “She’s a treasure. She earned scholarships and managed everything on her own.”

Jeon recalled, “When I was young, I thought it was just me and my brother. But in elementary school, I saw old family photos and discovered pictures of my older brothers who had passed away.” She continued, “I was curious about how my father, who always seemed cheerful and detached from life’s hardships, felt about losing his children and how he coped. But I never had the courage to ask.”

Jeon’s father recounted the tragic accident of his eldest son, saying, “When he was about 11, a friend came over to play. They went out to swim and catch loaches but drowned in a bomb crater from the Korean War. I remember wailing and being consoled by someone. It’s indescribable.”

Her second brother died of encephalitis. Jeon’s father shared, “Back then, we didn’t know mosquito-borne infections were so dangerous. I tried blaming the world, but what’s the use? I’ve lived through trials and time.”

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