The broadcaster Park Soo-hong, who went through the toughest times in life due to wounds inflicted by his family, is now experiencing unprecedented happiness after receiving comfort from his pet cat, Da-hong, and meeting his wife, Kim Da-ye. He holds his precious daughter, Jae-i, in his arms. During this most fulfilling time, he met TV CHOSUN "Our Baby Was Born" and, based on his experiences, has cultivated a "sense of mission" that goes beyond being merely the program's MC, aiming to convey a profound message for overcoming low birth rates and resolving social conflicts.
Four years ago, Park Soo-hong was considered "a person who had to die" due to allegations of embezzlement. From the time of his debut until the scandal broke in 2021, he had entrusted his management to his older brother for nearly 30 years throughout his long broadcasting career. However, allegations surfaced that his brother misappropriated a large sum of money from Park Soo-hong's grants without paying them. A trial is currently ongoing. As it became known that the reason Park Soo-hong could not marry was due to his family, the public was left in shock.
Park Soo-hong opened up about his extreme pain at that time, saying, "I couldn't even drink water properly. I left every program I was on, and I also briefly left 'Dongchimi.' I was a person who had to die."
During Park Soo-hong's darkest period, his pet cat, Da-hong, became a light in his life. Park Soo-hong shared, "When the time came that I really couldn't live alone, the one who took care of me was Da-hong," adding, "I worried about Da-hong, but Da-hong gave me strength, introduced me to my wife, and helped me have a daughter after marrying her," referring to the 'miraculous' beginning of his relationship.
Having overcome difficulties and marrying Kim Da-ye, who is 23 years younger, in 2021, Park Soo-hong embraced his daughter, Jae-i, thanks to in vitro fertilization last October after overcoming infertility. Now a 'late-blooming dad,' he is experiencing the happiest period of his life.
Park Soo-hong said he cannot describe the fulfillment he feels from meeting his daughter in any words. He remarked, "Meeting my wife and daughter amid difficulties will make me realize, when I eventually end my life, that 'I really did well,' and 'it truly has meaning,'" as he became teary-eyed. He expressed, "I feel like I have someone who is worth giving everything to," revealing his boundless affection for his daughter.
He continued, asserting, "I can say for sure that if I hadn't met my wife and child, I would have had a regrettable life" and reflected on his past statement that "to avoid regret, one must take responsibility for their choices," realizing that "even late, one has their destiny." When asked if parenting is tough, he smiled and said, "I feel like I shouldn't even say it's hard, because this process won’t come again. Just having someone who resembles me is incredibly mysterious and happy."
Park Soo-hong, who is experiencing a golden age of life with his new family, has taken on the role of MC for TV CHOSUN's "Our Baby Was Born" (directed by Lee Seung-hoon and Kim Joon, written by Jang Joo-yeon), feeling a unique sense of responsibility towards the program. "Our Baby Was Born" is the first childbirth variety show in the country, encouraging expectant mothers and vividly broadcasting the process of life’s birth, touching the hearts of viewers.
Park Soo-hong expressed his regret, saying, "Of course, my wife received a lot of help, but I wish I had met 'Our Baby Was Born' a little earlier. My wife had a cesarean section, and if we had met this program sooner, we would have learned more about the various methods of childbirth and how to care for it." He emphasized, "This program is essential, especially for husbands. While no role is more important than the mother's in childbirth, the husband also plays a big role. If you engage with 'Our Baby Was Born,' you will realize that you cannot treat your wife carelessly and cannot be lazy in parenting."
Park Soo-hong wished that 'Our Baby Was Born' would not only go beyond simply broadcasting childbirth but also become a starting point for solving low birth rate issues and alleviating social conflicts. He stated, "In my over 30 years of activity, I've done many programs that address social issues. 'Our Baby Was Born' is truly a program needed in this era," he asserted. He further urged practical reforms, saying, "Even if the government encourages people to have children, who would plan for multiple children if there are no realistic system improvements?" requesting an expansion of parental childcare leave for grandparents.
In particular, Park Soo-hong mentioned, "Today's society is deeply entangled with gender issues, divisions, and hatred. I believe the value of life is what can embrace these conflicts," expressing hope that 'Our Baby Was Born' will show the process of life’s birth, resolve conflicts, and remind everyone of 'our' values. He added, "It's not 'My baby was born,' but 'Our baby was born,' emphasizing that 'we' must exist."
In this way, Park Soo-hong is delivering a positive message to society as a whole, beyond personal happiness, serving as a 'national public birth fairy' that brings hope and resonance.
Park Soo-hong, who is active as a 'birth fairy' on TV CHOSUN's 'Our Baby Was Born,' airs every Friday night at 10 p.m.
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