Lee Kwang-ki Recounts Deep Despair After Losing Son, Finds Meaning Through Philanthropy

Actor Lee Kwang-ki has opened up about the profound despair he experienced after losing his 7-year-old son and the journey of rediscovering life's meaning amidst that grief.

In a video titled 'The Pain of Losing a Son, Meeting God in the Deepest Moment of Despair,' released on the YouTube channel 'CGN' on the 11th, Lee recalled the tragic passing of his son, Suk-kyu, from swine flu in 2009. He confessed to feelings of resentment and guilt for not being able to protect his child.

"Everything felt like a curse. The guilt of not being able to protect him washed over me," he shared. "People kept saying he became an angel, but what good is an angel if he's not by my side?" Lee revealed the intense sorrow that struck him after he had managed to comfort his family, describing how he nearly fell from his veranda while yearning for relief.

It was during this moment of despair that Lee looked up at the sky. He saw a particularly bright star and thought, 'Could that be Suk-kyu?' He explained that this was the first time he truly felt his son had become an angel.

Lee identified 'volunteer work' as the key to overcoming his grief. He stated, "The reason my family could move past the sorrow was through volunteering. We donated Suk-kyu's life insurance money to help with the reconstruction efforts after the Haiti earthquake." He felt this act brought significant comfort to his family and served as Suk-kyu's final gift to the world.

Subsequently, Lee participated in volunteer activities in Haiti through KBS's 'Love Request,' finding new purpose and meaning in life.

Korean netizens expressed deep sympathy, commenting, "It's unimaginable how much pain Lee Kwang-ki must have gone through," and "It's truly moving to see him overcome such hardship and help others." Many also sent messages of support, saying, "Suk-kyu must be so proud of his dad up in heaven."