Popera Maestro Lim Hyung-joo Opens Up About 'Praise Deficiency' on 'Dad and Me Season 3'

On the upcoming episode of TV CHOSUN's 'Dad and Me Season 3', airing Wednesday, the renowned popera singer Lim Hyung-joo, aged 39, reveals his struggle with 'praise deficiency' and breaks into tears.

In this episode, Lim Hyung-joo and his mother meet with Yoo In-kyung, a long-time acquaintance and journalist-turned-writer who has been with Lim since his debut. Lim, who recently became the youngest chairman of the Yongsan Cultural Foundation, shares the news of his appointment with Yoo. However, his mother, Helen Kim, tries to curb his enthusiasm by saying, "That's enough."

Yoo In-kyung supports Lim by saying, "Why would Hyung-joo boast? He wants validation from others because he was rejected by his mom." Lim responds, "It feels refreshing. If my mom acknowledged me even a little, I wouldn't need to seek it from others, but she doesn't."

Lim Hyung-joo admits, "Even if I'm cautious with strangers, if they praise me, I immediately warm up to them. I've been scammed out of about 80 million won because of my 'praise deficiency'." Helen Kim acknowledges her son's vulnerability to praise, saying, "If you lock Hyung-joo up and shower him with compliments, he'd give away everything, even his watch."

Lim further shares, "I released my first album at 12 and was so nervous after recording. I expected praise from my mom, but not receiving it became a trauma." As he recounts his mother's lack of praise, Lim becomes emotional and struggles to continue.

Jeon Hyun-moo comments, "Not being acknowledged when you desperately want it as a child can last a lifetime." 'Elementary Mom' Han Hye-jin empathizes, "My child also craves love, and even after giving it, she wants more. I learned through counseling that some kids are satisfied with a little love, while others demand more. My daughter constantly asks, 'Who's your number one, mom?' which can be exhausting. It seems Hyung-joo, like my daughter, seeks constant affirmation of love."

Lim Hyung-joo's tears over his longing for his mother's praise and recognition leave his mother flustered. Whether this mother-son duo can come to a better understanding of each other will be revealed on 'Dad and Me Season 3', airing Wednesday at 10 PM.

Reporter: Lee So-jung, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr