From US Immigration to Son's Passing: Jung Teresa Finds New Bloom in Life's Garden

KBS1's 'Human Theater' is set to air a special episode detailing the life of Jung Teresa, a woman who has navigated immense hardship, from immigrating to the United States to the tragic loss of her eldest son.

At 63, Jung Teresa's day begins with the bustling care of her animal family, which includes two cats, chickens, dogs, goats, and even a donkey. Just five years ago, she was living in California, USA. Now, she resides in a secluded mountain village in Yeongcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, alongside her 86-year-old mother, Kim Jung-soon.

Teresa's journey to the US was a quest for a fresh start, leaving behind a brief marriage and raising her two young sons alone. Life in America was a struggle; she took on any job available to provide for her children. Once her sons became independent, she felt a deep longing to return to Korea and care for her elderly mother, who had also lived a solitary life after losing her husband early and sending her only daughter away at a young age.

Upon her return to Korea, Teresa settled in Waegwan with her mother and opened a small café, hoping for a peaceful life. However, tragedy struck two years later when she received devastating news from the US: her eldest son had passed away in a sudden accident at the age of 26. This profound loss plunged Teresa into despair, making everyday life feel unbearable and filled with guilt for having left her children.

Seeking solace and distance from her grief, Teresa relocated to a more remote area in Yeongcheon about a year ago. Despite having no prior experience in farming, she built a small greenhouse and began cultivating flowers. The demanding physical work of tending to the flowers and animals gradually helped her find peace and the strength to live again. Though the pain remains, she is learning to live with the memory of her son, carrying him in her heart.

Teresa and her mother have adopted a 'separate yet together' living arrangement, each occupying a small house within the same compound. This allows them personal space while remaining close, leading to a more comfortable and harmonious relationship. She is diligently working on her flower farm, learning through trial and error and making regular shipments to the Seoul flower market twice a week. She has also found warmth and support within her local community, experiencing the kindness of Korean neighbors.

The episode will explore Jung Teresa's resilient spirit as she cultivates beauty and hope in her flower garden, much like the flowers she nurtures in challenging soil.

Jung Teresa previously ran a café in California before her return to Korea, having worked various jobs to support her family in the US. Her journey reflects immense maternal strength and a profound desire for familial connection. The flower farm in Yeongcheon has become a sanctuary for her, symbolizing healing and the promise of new beginnings.