Kim Jae-joong Moved to Tears by Mother's Story of Overcoming 100 Million Won Debt with Nine Children

Singer Kim Jae-joong was visibly emotional as he heard his mother's tumultuous family history for the first time on broadcast. KBS's 'Shinshilbansi Pyeonstorang' featured a special 'Mom's Hand' episode for Chuseok, where Kim Jae-joong and his mother prepared a special meal recounting their family's difficult past.

Kim Jae-joong's parents confessed that when he was very young, his father's business failed, leaving them with over 100 million won (approximately $75,000 USD) in debt. His mother was solely responsible for the livelihood of their nine children. She tearfully recalled, 'I couldn't even die if I wanted to. What could I do when the children said, "Mom, I'm hungry"?'

Kim Jae-joong's father shared that the incident caused him severe shock, to the point where he became disoriented and acted erratically. His mother, however, managed to pay off the massive debt in just one year through sheer determination, working various jobs from street vending to restaurant service. Her culinary skills, especially with dishes like jokbal (pig's trotters), sujebi (hand-pulled dough soup), and boribap (barley rice), captivated the residents of Gongju city, leading to remarkable sales.

Recalling his childhood memories of helping with deliveries at his mother's restaurant, Kim Jae-joong expressed regret, saying, 'I was embarrassed back then, but now I regret it.' Tasting his mother's cooking again after so long, he was overcome with emotion and conveyed his deep gratitude.

Kim Jae-joong debuted as a member of the popular group TVXQ and later pursued a successful solo career. Beyond his musical talents, he has also established himself as a versatile entertainer, excelling in acting and variety shows. He actively engages with his global fanbase through his YouTube channel, sharing diverse content.