Defector Boss Lee Soon-sil Recounts Facing Opposition and 'Spy' Accusations from In-Laws

Lee Soon-sil, a businesswoman and defector from North Korea, shared a poignant past on KBS2's 'The Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears' (hereinafter referred to as 'Sadangwi'), recounting the initial opposition from her husband's family to their marriage and the hurtful accusation of being a 'spy'.

During the broadcast on the 7th, Lee Soon-sil was shown visiting her in-laws' home in Jinan, Jeollabuk-do, for a summer vacation with her employees. While hosts like Jun Hyun-moo questioned the choice of destination as a 'reward vacation' and overly self-centered, Lee Soon-sil defended it as a quiet getaway with fresh air, away from crowded tourist spots.

Upon arrival, Lee Soon-sil warmly greeted her mother-in-law and sister-in-law, whom she affectionately called 'Mom' and 'Unnie,' respectively, expressing the deep family bonds she's found in South Korea. She even stated her mother-in-law was better than her biological mother, having learned the true meaning of affection in Korea. The mother-in-law reciprocated the warmth, proudly showing off gifts like a massage chair and new appliances, referring to Lee Soon-sil as her own daughter.

However, Lee Soon-sil revealed the past opposition from her in-laws to their marriage. Her mother-in-law admitted to being shocked by her North Korean background, citing their family's history in law enforcement as a reason for initial disapproval. Lee Soon-sil expressed her lingering hurt from being called a 'spy,' an accusation that saddened her deeply, though her mother-in-law sincerely apologized. She noted that such suspicions were unfortunately common among defectors upon meeting their in-laws.

Lee Soon-sil expressed profound gratitude towards her late father-in-law, who ultimately accepted her into the family, enabling her to build a life in South Korea. Her husband corroborated this, sharing a touching anecdote of his father, who was ill and disoriented, recognizing Lee Soon-sil by name, underscoring the deep affection he held for her. Lee Soon-sil emphasized the immense strength she draws from her family, which has supported her journey.

Lee Soon-sil is a businesswoman who defected from North Korea and settled in South Korea.

She has gained significant attention from viewers through the program 'Sadangwi,' showcasing her daily life and business management style.

Lee Soon-sil contributes to a better understanding of North Korean defectors by honestly portraying the challenges faced in South Korean society and the importance of family.