Entertainer Kim Ddol-ddol Reveals Parental Conflict Post-Coming Out: 'Offered Homosexuality Treatment'

Broadcaster Kim Ddol-ddol has openly shared the conflicts he faced with his parents following his coming out.

Appearing as a guest on the SBS entertainment show 'Shinbal Eopgo Dolsing Four Men' (Dolsing Four Men) on the 16th, Kim Ddol-ddol discussed his personal experiences. He revealed that he realized he was different from others in the fourth grade of elementary school and decided he had to hide his sexual identity.

"I deliberately joined a taekwondo academy and resolved to excel academically," he stated. "My real name is Kim Ban-seok, and after entering middle school, I consistently ranked first in the entire school, earning the nickname 'The Top Male Student in the School.'"

Kim Ddol-ddol, who comes from a devout Christian family, explained, "I felt I would eventually cause great disappointment to my parents, so I tried harder to be a more exemplary son." He eventually came out to his parents in his late twenties through YouTube. "I didn't want to confess like it was a sin at home, and I was quiet at home," he recalled. "I revealed it impulsively due to hateful comments filled with suspicion."

The aftermath at home was tumultuous. "I received dozens of calls but was too scared to answer," Kim Ddol-ddol confessed. "I received a long message suggesting I undergo homosexuality treatment. Hearing about hospitals and treatment made me feel betrayed, so I cut off contact for about six months." He mentioned not speaking with his father for four years, but his father eventually reached out after learning about his activities through relatives and his growing success in broadcasting.

Fortunately, their relationship has mended. Kim Ddol-ddol shared with a smile, "Recently, I gave my father a credit card, and I heard him proudly telling my mother about it."

Kim Ddol-ddol, whose birth name is Kim Ban-seok, previously garnered attention for his outstanding academic achievements. He demonstrated immense courage by publicly revealing his sexual identity via YouTube in his late twenties. He is currently actively engaging with the public through broadcasting and his YouTube channel.