'Sundori' Lee Geon-joo revealed a touching family story with his 'French' biological brother. The brothers, who had been separated for a long time, comforted each other's wounds and became a real family. The nationwide viewership rating for the broadcast that day was 3.0%, with a peak rating of 3.3% per minute (Nielsen Korea, nationwide basis).
On the 17th broadcast of TV CHOSUN's 'Dad and Me', actor and shaman Lee Geon-joo explained his family history to his biological brother Lee Geon-cheol, who was adopted to France immediately after birth. Lee Geon-joo learned about the existence of his brother, who grew up as a 'Frenchman', when Lee Geon-cheol came to Korea 18 years ago. However, the two experienced misunderstandings due to language and cultural differences at the time, and lost contact, only to reunite this time in France. Reflecting on 18 years ago, Lee Geon-joo said, 'I wanted to be a cool and dignified older brother, but I was so sorry for not being able to be that for him. It was really hard during the time we couldn’t communicate,' and apologized to his brother, but Lee Geon-cheol reassured him, saying, 'I don't blame you, brother.'
Lee Geon-joo then explained the circumstances of his family to Lee Geon-cheol, who was curious about why he was adopted. Lee Geon-joo's grandmother was raising three siblings by herself when Lee Geon-joo was born to her son (Lee Geon-joo's father), leading to her taking care of her grandchild as well. Around the time Lee Geon-joo's father was about to be discharged from the military, Lee Geon-joo's biological mother learned that she was pregnant with Lee Geon-cheol. However, the brothers' parents were already divorced. Eventually, their biological mother left Lee Geon-cheol at the home of Lee Geon-joo’s grandmother. Two youthful aunts took care of Lee Geon-joo and Lee Geon-cheol in place of their grandmother, who was working, but unable to raise them both together, their grandmother decided on Lee Geon-cheol's adoption abroad. Lee Geon-joo added, 'My grandmother felt sorry her whole life for not being able to raise us together.'
In response, Lee Geon-cheol said, 'If it was such a difficult situation, both should have been sent for adoption, so I don't understand why only one was sent. Being the only one sent for adoption was a big wound,' as he sought answers to the question that had been a source of pain for over 40 years. Overcome with emotion upon hearing his brother's hurt, Lee Geon-joo struggled to respond and conveyed, 'It was because I was born first that I stayed... so I'm sorry to Geon-cheol.'
However, Lee Geon-cheol replied, 'Looking back, I grew up without lacking under good adoptive parents, but my brother might not have enjoyed that. He must have had a hard time alone,' comforting his brother instead. After discovering their sincere feelings for one another after 40 years, Lee Geon-joo and Lee Geon-cheol took a step towards becoming brothers who can rely on each other. Lee Geon-joo also met Lee Geon-cheol's son, 'Luca,' and proudly displayed his 'uncle fool' side. Seeing the nephew he last saw when he was 5 years old now grown into an adult, Lee Geon-joo couldn't hold back his tears and showered his nephew with various gifts. Lee Geon-joo remarked, 'I guess this is what it feels like when aunts buy something for me,' expressing happiness from his date with his brother and nephew, which felt like a dream.
Meanwhile, Lee Geon-joo headed to a rural village in France to meet his adoptive parents, who raised his brother Lee Geon-cheol without any lack. Having visited this place 18 years ago, Lee Geon-joo was delighted to see his adoptive parents looking the same and smiled broadly. Lee Geon-joo expressed, 'I'm curious how my brother came to France,' showing interest in his brother's adoption story that he was unaware of. In response, Lee Geon-cheol's adoptive parents showed an album, in which they had recorded notes like a diary, from the time he was at the Korean adoption center to pictures from his childhood. Seeing his brother’s pictures, Lee Geon-joo was touched, saying, 'I was so thankful to think that Geon-cheol must have been happier and received so much love than anyone else.' He was also moved to tears seeing how much Lee Geon-cheol resembled him in the photos.
Spending time together in France and reflecting on their separately spent times, the two became a solid family to the point where the time apart felt meaningless. Lee Geon-cheol sincerely conveyed, 'In the past, even when I wasn't alone, I felt lonely, but now that I have a brother, I'm no longer lonely. I love you, brother!' Lee Geon-joo reflected on the journey of his family being completed, saying, 'I felt that my brother perfectly integrated into my life. I have a family in France,' as he looked forward to the stories they would create together in the future, concluding his journey in search of family.
'Dad and Me's next episode will feature Oh Gwang-rok and his son, who had severed ties for 7 years, visiting the columbarium of Oh Gwang-rok's mother, Oh Si-won. Oh Si-won's son, who cut off contact with his father due to anger, also avoided his grandmother's contact, leading to her passing while waiting for her grandson. Oh Gwang-rok expressed, 'I should have put in more effort to visit, knock on the door, and try harder...' feeling regretful. Whether Oh Gwang-rok and his son can reconcile will be revealed next week. Meanwhile, Jang Gwang and his son Jang Young also embark on a camper van trip. Son Jang Young revealed, 'It's the first time the two of us are traveling together, so I brought XXXX to prevent any issues.'
In response, Jun Hyun-moo stated, 'I'm anxious,' as he was taken aback. Taking it a step further, Jang Gwang asked his son about marriage and relationships. Jang Young replied, 'I don’t like talking about that,' his face darkening. Whether their first trip together can conclude safely while navigating their precarious relationship, the episode featuring Jang Gwang and Jang Young will air on TV CHOSUN's 'Dad and Me' next week, Tuesday, the 24th, at 10 p.m.
[Photo] 'Dad and Me'
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