Actor Kim Jung-tae's Son Shines as a Genius YouTuber Amid Asperger's Concerns

Actor Kim Jung-tae has revealed the genius side of his eldest son, Kim Ji-hoo, who is suspected of having Asperger's syndrome. Ji-hoo runs a YouTube channel focused on game development and communicates with international friends. Meanwhile, Kim Jung-tae faced conflicts with his middle school-aged second son, Si-hyun, over shared showering.

On the October 18th episode of TV CHOSUN's variety show 'Dad and Me Season 3,' Jeon No-min, who is taking on a new acting challenge as a famous stylist in Im Sung-han's new drama 'Dr. Shin,' appeared as the new 'dad representative.'

Jeon No-min, known as the original 'daughter fool,' shared, "I used to tie my daughter's hair myself. I did it so often that she wouldn't let anyone else do it." His daughter, who went to study in the U.S. at age 9, is now a researcher at an American university hospital, drawing admiration. Jeon No-min's 'daughter fool' persona was contrasted by Jeon Hyun-moo, who revealed Kim Jung-tae's 'son fool' lifestyle, saying, "He kisses his teenage son on the lips." Kim Jung-tae humorously suggested, "Shall we show you how I kiss my sons?" hinting at his affectionate relationship with his two sons.

Eldest Son Suspected of Asperger's, Revealed as a Genius YouTuber

Kim Jung-tae's eldest son, Ji-hoo, known as 'Yakkoong,' has shown genius in physics, coding, and animation production. His English skills are at a native level, earning him the title of 'genius boy.' However, due to suspicions of Asperger's syndrome, his social skills are somewhat lacking, and he prefers solitude over family time. Ji-hoo enjoys his alone time and has different interests from his peers. He runs a YouTube channel focused on game development, expanding his world and communicating with international friends who share his interests. Kim Jung-tae is proud of Ji-hoo's achievements.

Conflict Over Shared Showers with Middle School Son

Wanting to spend quality time with his sons, Kim Jung-tae suggested a hike. However, his second son, Si-hyun, a middle schooler, expressed reluctance, saying, "Dad can be clueless sometimes. It's rare for a middle schooler to hang out with their dad." Despite this, the sons agreed to the hike to avoid upsetting their father. The family surprised the studio by holding hands on their way to the hiking trail. During stretching, Kim Jung-tae showered his sons with kisses, shocking Jeon Hyun-moo and Jeon No-min.

After the hike, Kim Jung-tae proposed a shared shower, which both sons resisted. Ji-hoo, who had already gained independence in showering, was easily excused, but Si-hyun was not. Despite his wife and Ji-hoo's suggestion to let Si-hyun shower alone, Kim Jung-tae insisted, "I can't compromise on this."

Kim Jung-tae's Attachment to Shared Showers

Kim Jung-tae explained, "I've been bathing them since they were born. It's a way to spend time together, drying their hair and applying lotion." He cherished memories of visiting the bathhouse with his father, which influenced his attachment to bathing with his sons. However, Si-hyun expressed his desire for independence, saying, "I want to shower alone. My style is different from Dad's." He also felt unfairly treated compared to his brother Ji-hoo.

As Ji-hoo went to shower alone, the tension between Kim Jung-tae and Si-hyun temporarily subsided. When Ji-hoo finished, Kim Jung-tae called Si-hyun to shower, but Si-hyun refused, expressing frustration by throwing his phone. Kim Jung-tae, angered, asked, "What are you doing?" but Si-hyun stood his ground.

Ultimately, Kim Jung-tae relented, saying, "Do as you wish," and went to shower alone. Jeon Hyun-moo commented on the unexpected conflict, "This family fights over the strangest things." For Kim Jung-tae, the incident felt like a significant rejection, akin to being abandoned by a loved one. Jeon No-min comforted him, saying, "You need to let go. It's natural."

Following Si-hyun's 'shower independence' declaration, Kim Jung-tae sulked, and the family, including his wife and Ji-hoo, tread carefully around him. His wife attempted to mediate, explaining, "Si-hyun is going through puberty." Kim Jung-tae, still upset, retorted, "Let him earn his own money and move out." However, when his wife asked him to dry Si-hyun's hair, he naturally obliged.

Jeon No-min remarked, "If you're sulking, wait 30 minutes before helping," acknowledging Kim Jung-tae's 'son fool' nature. Kim Jung-tae's wife suggested a 'shower independence negotiation' with Si-hyun, promising to support the more persuasive side.

During dinner, Kim Jung-tae broached the topic, "Since Si-hyun is starting middle school," and his wife seized the opportunity, "Showering alone?" Kim Jung-tae initially refused, saying, "I'm not ready," but eventually agreed to let Si-hyun shower independently, with the condition of random checks for cleanliness.

Compromise on 'Bed Separation' Shows Kim Jung-tae's Fatherly Love

The family faced another negotiation over 'bed separation.' Kim Jung-tae's wife and Ji-hoo shared a room with separate beds, while Kim Jung-tae and Si-hyun shared a bed. Buoyed by his earlier success, Si-hyun declared, "I don't mind sharing a bed, but don't come over to my side." This was a blow to Kim Jung-tae, who enjoyed morning cuddles and kisses. The family sided with Si-hyun, leaving Kim Jung-tae feeling dejected.

Han Hye-jin joked, "It's an unrequited love," while Jeon Hyun-moo teased, "Is this going to end in tears?" With his mother's help, Si-hyun negotiated conditions for sharing a bed: no calling him at night, no moving him while asleep, and no waking him up by approaching. That night, Si-hyun waited until his father fell asleep before going to bed. Watching the VCR, Kim Jung-tae was shocked, realizing, "Si-hyun has grown up, and I didn't notice. I must respect their wishes."

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

Related Topics: Kim Jung-tae, Dad and Me, Asperger's Syndrome, YouTuber, Game Development, TV CHOSUN