Actor Kim Jung-tae Faces Tension Over Son's Plan to Move to the U.S.

Actor Kim Jung-tae found himself in a heated discussion with his son, Kim Ji-hoo, over the teenager's desire to move to the United States.

On the October 25th episode of TV CHOSUN's 'Dad and Me Season 3', the Kim family showcased their unique daily lives, including the 'shower independence' incident.

Kim Ji-hoo, a 16-year-old 'genius boy' suspected of having Asperger's syndrome, began his day early while the rest of the family was still in bed. He followed his own routine, starting with tidying his bed and solving math problems. His mother prepared breakfast based on a menu Ji-hoo had written the previous day. Observing Ji-hoo's self-disciplined lifestyle, host Jeon Hyun-moo remarked, "It feels like watching the routine of a successful person, not a middle schooler."

While Ji-hoo was at his academy, Kim Jung-tae, his wife, and their younger son, Kim Si-hyun, prepared a surprise birthday party. For Ji-hoo's 16th birthday, Kim Jung-tae, the 'fool for his son', even made a pizza himself. Ji-hoo smiled brightly at the family's efforts, but when asked about celebrating with friends, he firmly replied, "I don't want a party. I don't want to talk to anyone."

Ji-hoo's interests in physics, coding, and animation set him apart from typical teenagers, leading him to prefer solitude. His parents worried about his social skills. Ji-hoo aspired to attend a specialized high school for software development, planning to live in a dormitory. "I think I can manage my routine independently," he expressed. However, his mother was concerned, saying, "Ji-hoo handles social situations in a textbook manner. He's never lived with friends."

Unaware of his parents' concerns, Ji-hoo planned not only for dormitory life but also for 'independence in the U.S.' More comfortable with English than Korean, Ji-hoo had often expressed his wish to have been born American. Through his YouTube channel, he felt a connection with like-minded individuals in the U.S. However, his family's worries grew. Even his brother Si-hyun cautioned, "You really need to be careful." Kim Jung-tae interrupted Ji-hoo with advice, leading to tension.

Ji-hoo, frustrated, said, "I know everything. Just because I have weaknesses doesn't mean I can't go to the U.S. My desire to go hasn't changed." Despite this, Kim Jung-tae continued his advice, prompting Ji-hoo to exclaim, "Stop! Can you please stop?" Kim Jung-tae retorted, "If I give advice, you should listen. If you know everything, will you prepare and go by yourself?"

Kim Jung-tae's wife added, "Wanting to be alone isn't a reason to go to a dormitory or the U.S. Right now, the family doesn't interfere, but outside, there will be more interference." She emphasized that 'independence' isn't the only solution. As the family clashed over Ji-hoo's plans, Jeon Hyun-moo commented, "It's a difficult issue. I understand both Ji-hoo and his parents."

Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr