Actor Kim Min-jae Confesses Heartbreaking Family History with Estranged Mother of 40 Years

Actor Kim Min-jae shared a deeply moving story about his estranged biological mother, with whom he had lost contact for nearly 40 years since the age of eight, bringing viewers to tears.

Appearing on the tvN STORY program ‘Family Housemates’ (literal translation), Kim Min-jae, now 10 years into his marriage, revealed a hidden chapter of his family life.

He explained that after his parents' large shoe store faced financial difficulties, conflict between them escalated, leading his mother to leave their home when he was just eight years old. Kim Min-jae confessed, "I was separated from my biological mother for such a long time," expressing the pain caused by their prolonged estrangement.

He candidly admitted his desire to ask his mother, "What was so difficult for you?" When a counselor inquired why he couldn't express his longing for his mother, Kim Min-jae attributed it to his father's words. He revealed that his father's criticisms of his mother, stating "You're just like your mother," prevented him from ever voicing his desire to see her, leading to an emotional breakdown where he couldn't hold back his tears.

Furthermore, Kim Min-jae surprised everyone by recounting a dramatic attempt by his mother to reconnect four years prior. He realized it was her after seeing a comment on social media from someone identifying as a 'fan,' which he instinctively felt was his mother. However, he revealed with regret that he couldn't bring himself to answer a video call from her, as he wasn't emotionally ready at the time.

Netizens expressed deep empathy, commenting, "How much must Kim Min-jae have suffered?" and "I truly hope he reunites happily with his mother." Others shared the sentiment, "The name 'family' can be so sorrowful."