Emotional Moments on 'Salimnam': Eun Ji-won Remembers Late Father

Eun Ji-won, who lost his father in 2018, was visibly emotional.

On the episode of KBS2's variety show 'Salimnam' aired on the 21st, comedian Kim Ji-hye, a former MC of the show, appeared as a special guest. The episode featured heartwarming holiday stories from Park Seo-jin's family and Takuya's challenging life in Korea. The show recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 5.1% according to Nielsen Korea.

In the opening, Kim Ji-hye revealed her friendship with Shin Bo-ram, the 16-year-younger girlfriend of Ji Sang-ryeol. Kim Ji-hye said, "Imagining Ji Sang-ryeol and Shin Bo-ram kissing," and couldn't continue. Ji Sang-ryeol was flustered, saying, "When did I say I kissed Bo-ram?" Amidst the heated atmosphere, a surprise birthday party for Ji Sang-ryeol followed. Ji Sang-ryeol humorously wished for "Shin Bo-ram's boyfriend" as his birthday wish, and Kim Ji-hye predicted, "Shouldn't you have your 60th birthday party on 'Salimnam'? I feel like there will be another celebration before that," pleasing Ji Sang-ryeol.

The first VCR continued with Park Seo-jin's family's Lunar New Year scene from the previous week. After a chilly night due to the parents' quarrel, the family gathered in traditional Korean attire. When Park Seo-jin's mother appeared in a beautiful hanbok, the studio reacted with "It suits her well. She's so pretty," and Ji Sang-ryeol humorously commented, "She'll be the face on the 50,000 won bill someday."

Park Seo-jin's mother, who wore a hanbok for the first time since her wedding 30 years ago, gradually lightened up thanks to her family's efforts. The siblings bowed to their parents for the New Year, and Hyo-jung provided unexpected comic relief by falling backward during the bow. Despite repeated attempts, Hyo-jung struggled, prompting Seo-jin to demonstrate repeatedly. The parents, watching, said, "How many times are you going to bow? Is this a funeral?" and intervened. Hyo-jung, determined to succeed, eventually failed to control her muscles, causing laughter.

After much ado, the traditional Park family's ancestral rites table was revealed, drawing admiration in the studio. Ji Sang-ryeol commented, "My family also has many ancestral rites and ceremonies," and Park Seo-jin teased, "Isn't Shin Bo-ram supposed to handle all that when you marry?" Ji Sang-ryeol quickly replied, "I'll do it. Bo-ram should just relax," defusing the situation.

The Park family made wishes during the ancestral rites. While everyone wished for health and happiness, Hyo-jung showed her caring side by wishing, "Grandma, Grandpa, please let my brother win an award this year." Park Seo-jin expressed his personal New Year goal of living abroad for a month. The studio teased, "Are you going with a beautiful woman?" but Seo-jin clarified it was for studying English. MC Lee Yo-won encouraged, "If you date someone fluent in a foreign language, you'll learn faster," and Ji Sang-ryeol added, "Since meeting Bo-ram, my Korean has improved," frequently mentioning his girlfriend. Kim Ji-hye humorously asked, "Is Bo-ram not answering your calls?"

After the lively New Year's morning, Park Seo-jin took his family somewhere special. To comfort his mother, who missed family warmth during the holidays, they visited his maternal grandmother's grave. Touched by her son's thoughtfulness, Park Seo-jin's mother shared, "After my mom passed away three years ago, I miss her most during holidays and Mother's Day."

The studio also shared heartfelt memories of their late parents. Kim Ji-hye expressed, "I often think of my dad who passed away last year. It feels like he'll be home when I return." Eun Ji-won revealed, "I have a voice message from my late father, but I can't listen to it. I'd cry for a month if I did," tearing up. Ji Sang-ryeol empathized, "I also have a video of my late mother, but I can't bring myself to play it."

The Park family reminisced about their late grandmother, sharing various stories. Park Seo-jin's mother mentioned, "Your grandmother was skilled in Japanese, singing, and playing the janggu," highlighting the talents passed down to her grandson. Park Seo-jin fondly recalled, "There was a persimmon tree at my grandmother's house, and the ripe persimmons were always mine," and "Even when she had dementia, she recognized only me." The family expressed regret for not being by her side during her final moments. Park Seo-jin's mother tearfully confessed, "Not being able to bring her to our new home in Samcheonpo is my biggest regret," and reassured, "Seo-jin is doing well, so don't worry and rest peacefully."

Eun Ji-won announced his remarriage to a stylist nine years his junior last June. The couple held a private wedding in October, inviting only close family and friends.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr