Actor Ji Seung-hyun Shares Heartfelt Stories on 'Malja Show'

Actor Ji Seung-hyun opened up about a memorable incident with his father on the KBS2 show 'Malja Show' aired on the 23rd.

The episode was themed 'Friendship Special' and featured Ji Seung-hyun, his father, and his high school friend. During the show, Kim Young-hee shared her thoughts on friendship, saying, "There isn't a single person I can call when I'm struggling. Is there really such a thing as a true friend?"

'Malja Halmae' Kim Young-hee mentioned, "I have a few friends I can call 'real friends,'" and referred to fellow MC Jung Beom-kyun. She reminisced about her peak as a comedian and the tough times when she earned only 100,000 won a week, yet continued to perform in small venues.

Kim Young-hee humorously recalled, "Senior Jung Beom-kyun, who I wasn't close with, quietly came to watch my performances. I thought he was there to copy my material." Later, Jung Beom-kyun suggested incorporating her ad-lib performances into his shows and encouraged her to create a segment when 'Gag Concert' resumed.

Kim Young-hee confessed, "I almost quit 'Gag Concert' after three weeks. If it weren't for Jung Beom-kyun's support, 'Malja Show' wouldn't exist today." She emphasized, "Some say Jung Beom-kyun makes easy money, but he's irreplaceable. He was the catalyst for 'Malja Halmae.'"

Guest Ji Seung-hyun also shared a special connection. He said, "During my long period of anonymity, I thought life was solitary and relied on myself. But seniors like Cha In-pyo and Choi Soo-jong opened their hearts and encouraged me, saying, 'You'll succeed,' 'You're doing well,' and I'm grateful for that."

Ji Seung-hyun recounted a story with his father, who once kicked him when he announced his decision to become an actor. He reflected, "I think it was my father's desperate wish to prevent me from pursuing acting, knowing the odds were slim. It wasn't just a kick; it was filled with sincerity."

He added, "My father, who has lost many teeth now, graduated from Yongin University's Judo Department and was a physical education teacher." Ji Seung-hyun's father shared, "Things have improved recently. Before the movie 'Wind,' he would often return home in tears when shoots were canceled. As a parent, it was heartbreaking to witness that repeatedly."

Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr