Popera Maestro Lim Hyung-joo's Heartwarming Journey as the Youngest Director of Yongsan Cultural Foundation

Lim Hyung-joo, the youngest director in the history of the Yongsan Cultural Foundation, showcased a heartwarming yet humorous interaction with his mother, Helen Kim, over his 'trophy' love interest. The episode recorded a viewership rating of 3.2%, with peak ratings hitting 3.8%.

On the TV CHOSUN variety show 'Dad and Me Season 3' aired on the 18th, Lim Hyung-joo, known as a 'popera maestro,' took his first step into public office as he was appointed the inaugural director of the Yongsan Cultural Foundation. Ahead of the appointment ceremony, Lim expressed his mixed feelings about his mother, who had never attended his celebratory events, saying, "(My mom) won't attend. Even when I won first place in competitions, she never came, leading to rumors at school that I was an orphan. She became someone who couldn't be there for me." Despite this, Lim hoped his mother would attend the ceremony, saying, "I want to receive all the congratulations she missed at my entrance and graduation ceremonies at once. Can you come to the appointment ceremony?"

Ultimately, Helen Kim surprised her son by attending the ceremony despite initially saying, "Why would I go there?" Lim was moved, saying, "I was touched. You can say 'Lim Hyung-joo is a mama's boy.' Even if people say, 'A director brought his mom?' I don't care because I've never lived that kind of life. What does it matter? As long as I'm happy."

While heading to their favorite market, Lim couldn't stop boasting about his appointment as director. His mother playfully scolded him, saying, "You're noisy," but Lim persisted, amusingly annoying her. Even as his mother busily shopped, Lim proudly shared his achievement with the market vendors. His mother, curious about his obsession with being 'first' and 'youngest,' asked, "Why do you like 'first, best, youngest' so much? I gave birth to you, but no one in our family is like that."

Lim responded, "I aimed for first place, not necessarily the youngest. Everyone strives to be the best in their field, and even if they can't be the best, they pursue it." His mother advised him to enjoy life more, saying, "As you live, you should experience love, travel, and enjoy life as a man in his 40s. If you live life only chasing firsts and being the youngest, you'll look back and have no memories."

Back home, Lim forgot to help with the groceries and headed straight to his 'trophy room.' He affectionately referred to his trophies as 'babies,' saying, "Trophies are like girlfriends, wives, and children to me. Just thinking about them makes me happy." While his mother moved the groceries alone, Lim remained in the trophy room, prompting her to shout, "Stop it!" temporarily ending Lim's passionate affair with his trophies.

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