Hyun Joo-yeop Faces Tension with Son on 'Dad and Me Season 3'

Hyun Joo-yeop, who previously revealed that his family underwent therapy due to a 'power abuse controversy,' is once again facing tension with his son.

On the October 4th episode of TV CHOSUN's variety show 'Dad and Me Season 3,' Hyun Joo-yeop attempted to fulfill his son Jun-hee's birthday wish, yet the emotional distance between them remained evident.

Hyun Joo-yeop found himself in a predicament after forgetting his son Jun-hee's birthday. Early in the morning, Hyun's mother called to wish her grandson a happy birthday, prompting Hyun to realize his oversight. "I messed up again. This is bad," he admitted, flustered. Jun-hee expressed his disappointment, saying, "I understood last year because of everything that happened, but forgetting again this year is honestly a bit hurtful." Hyun prepared a birthday meal with seaweed soup and fried rice, cooked by his wife, and gave Jun-hee a gift of 100,000 won to try and mend their relationship.

In an effort to bond, Hyun decided to take his son to a PC café, a place Jun-hee had never visited. "Maybe I'm not such a strict dad after all," Hyun mused. Jun-hee, excited, remarked, "Isn't it exciting to try something you've never done before? Thanks to my birthday, I get to go." The father-son duo appeared bewildered as they entered the PC café for the first time.

Jun-hee quickly immersed himself in gaming, enjoying the experience. Meanwhile, Hyun was fascinated by the restaurant-like variety of food options available. Wanting to share the moment, Hyun ordered snacks like 'dujjonku' and pizza, creating a mini feast while ensuring Jun-hee ate first, showcasing a warm fatherly gesture. However, Hyun felt disappointed as his son became engrossed in the games.

On their way home, a chilly atmosphere lingered between them. Jun-hee spent the 100,000 won birthday gift on game items, shocking Hyun. "You spent 100,000 won on a game?" he exclaimed. Jun-hee's expression hardened at his father's continued nagging, and Hyun expressed his frustration, "I try to understand, but I just can't wrap my head around it." Observing the exchange, Jeon Soo-kyung commented, "Think of it as buying an expensive coat," siding with Jun-hee. Jeon Hyun-moo added, "Kids today grow up with smartphones; the digital world is crucial to them, more than we realize."

Back home, Hyun voiced his disappointment, "I wanted to spend time together, but you played alone, and spending 100,000 won on a game seems excessive." Jun-hee countered, "It was my first time; I wanted to enjoy it." He further pointed out the lack of regular allowance, saying, "If I received money regularly, I'd save it, but when it comes sporadically, I feel the need to spend it immediately. So, just give me an allowance."

Hyun refrained from giving Jun-hee an allowance, fearing it would be spent on games, though he bought him food and clothes. 'Elementary Mom' Han Hye-jin suggested, "Giving an allowance helps develop financial sense. They learn how to spend." Jeon Soo-kyung agreed, "An allowance teaches them to manage their spending." Jeon Hyun-moo added, "If there's something they truly want, they'll save for it." The father and son also disagreed on the topic of taking a break from school, leaving their conversation unresolved and tense.

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