Kim Jung-tae from ‘Dad and I’ has moved to a smaller home to save on child-rearing costs.
In the May 6th episode of TV Chosun’s variety program ‘Dad and I Season 3’ (hereafter ‘Dad and I’), Kim Jung-tae’s family spent time together in Seoul, reaffirming their strong family bond.
Previously staying in a three-story house in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do when working in Seoul, Kim Jung-tae decided to move to a smaller place, saying, “As the kids grow, the expenses are significant. I think it’s better to reduce my own spending and spend it on the children.” He further revealed that he is saving up specifically to send his eldest son to the US for his studies.
On moving day, his two sons, Ji-hoo and Si-hyun, and his wife visited his home. The two sons discovered Kim Jung-tae’s high school yearbook and a poetry book he wrote, sparking a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Showing deep fatherly love, Kim Jung-tae shared that many of the dramatic events in his life were related to his family and revealed that he even wrote a poem for his son.
While the move was underway, the family headed to Itaewon. Ji-hoo, who dreams of studying in the US, was fascinated by the streets filled with foreigners. Being more comfortable with English than Korean, Ji-hoo enjoyed ordering food with a few jokes when a foreign employee approached them.
Previously, 16-year-old Ji-hoo was diagnosed with ‘Asperger’s Syndrome’ after meeting a mental health specialist. While he appeared nervous speaking in awkward Korean at the time, his mother was amazed by his fluency in English, noting, “I was surprised. I realized Ji-hoo is truly comfortable with English.”
Furthermore, Ji-hoo recited international affairs while watching CNN news at the restaurant. Kim Jung-tae and his wife ended up asking their son questions, learning about politics, current events, and economics from him.
Kim Jung-tae’s new studio apartment was a duplex, but his sons found the low ceiling uncomfortable, saying, “The ceiling is too low. You can’t even stand up here.” While eating jajangmyeon to celebrate the move, Kim Jung-tae mentioned that although it’s a bit small, the location is great and much closer to Seoul than his previous home.
Ji-hoo asked his father, “How does it feel to live alone in Seoul?” To this, Kim Jung-tae admitted, “It’s lonely. In Busan, I can joke around and cook ramen with you guys… I’m a bit exhausted from commuting between Seoul and Busan for 35 years. But I can’t be exhausted now,” expressing the heart of a father who endures loneliness for the sake of his family.
Ji-hoo touched his father’s heart by saying, “It must be hard for Dad to go back and forth. But seeing you do it without complaining, I know how much you love our family,” showing that he already understands his father’s feelings.
Meanwhile, the changed daily life of Hyun Joo-yup and his son was also revealed. Hyun Joo-yup, who previously struggled to understand his son Jun-hee, began to look into his son’s inner thoughts after appearing on the show and decided to listen more. He declared, “Today is a day to listen to Jun-hee and do what he wants.”
The first thing Jun-hee wanted to do was take ‘four-cut photos.’ Jun-hee prepared for the shoot with wigs and glasses. Despite being stiff, Hyun Joo-yup followed along as Jun-hee put a curly wig and a hat on him. Jun-hee expressed gratitude, saying, “I think he did it because it was my request. I was so thankful.”
Next, the two challenged ‘powered paragliding,’ Jun-hee’s second dream. Hyun Joo-yup was terrified of flying up to 1,500 meters, but he pushed through to fulfill his son’s wish.
Jun-hee was overjoyed, saying, “It was so beautiful that I felt like this is why I lived. I felt happy and relieved.” Hyun Joo-yup, who shed tears (claiming it was because of the wind), shared, “I’m glad Jun-hee has things he wants to do, and I’m happy he’s become brighter,” expressing his desire to grant more of his son’s wishes in the future.
Finally, the preliminary audition of Jeon Su-kyung’s 97-year-old father, who challenged a national song festival at his daughter’s suggestion, was revealed. He received special training from 17-year-old ‘Trot Princess’ Oh Yu-jin, a former ‘Miss Trot 3’ contestant.
As the oldest challenger, Jeon Su-kyung’s father performed ‘Youth’s Dream’ and received an enthusiastic response thanks to the talent he honed during training.
With requests for an encore pouring in from the preliminary stage, he turned the venue upside down with his favorite song ‘Nest,’ securing a spot in the finals by a unanimous decision from the judges. Jeon Su-kyung felt proud to share these cheerful moments with her father, who is approaching 100.
Meanwhile, ‘Dad and I’ concluded Season 3 with this episode.
