The May 11 episode of KBS 2TV’s ‘말자쇼’ was a special family-themed episode. During the show, a viewer shared a touching concern: “My wife has been preparing ancestral rites for 30 years as the youngest daughter-in-law. Can we stop for her sake?” The person mentioned that they had already reduced the frequency to six times a year.
‘말자 할매’ Kim Young-hee empathized by sharing her mother’s experience. She described her mother’s in-laws as a patriarchal family where, during holidays, the men sat at a large dining table while the women gathered around small side tables to eat.
Kim Young-hee shared a funny story about her mother, who loved her sleep. Her mother once told her grandmother, “The ancestors must be tired from traveling. Why don’t we all sleep in and hold the rite later?” which sparked laughter. She also recalled her mother suggesting, “Honestly, you don’t remember all the ancestors’ faces, right? Let’s only list the ones you actually remember.” Thanks to this, the number of rites was cut in half.
Kim Young-hee emphasized that preparing the food and attending the rites are things to be grateful for. She noted that expressing gratitude between couples can significantly reduce arguments, stating, “Nothing is taken for granted.” She advised the viewer to discuss with their siblings how to simplify the process, whether by reducing the frequency or the number of dishes. “You have to protect your beloved wife,” she added.
Additionally, the ‘Frill Uncle’ family, whose father’s stretched-out t-shirt once moved Kim Young-hee to tears, made a return appearance. They shared heartwarming updates, revealing that the eldest daughter now has a boyfriend and the younger daughter has set her wedding date.
