[OSEN=Ha Su-jeong Reporter] On KBS Joy’s variety show ‘Ask Me Anything, Bossal,’ Lee Su-geun offered heartfelt advice to French Papa Lee Dong-jun, a chef who appeared on ‘Culinary Class Wars 2.’

Broadcast on the afternoon of the 23rd, the episode featured Lee Dong-jun, who participated in ‘Culinary Class Wars 2.’ During the show, he shared, “I cried publicly while discussing my autistic spectrum son. Though I’m usually seen as bright, I’ve become known as someone who cries easily both nationally and globally. People attacked me with malicious comments, saying, ‘You’re selling your story.’ I wonder how I can share my story as calmly as Seo Jang-hoon.”

He mentioned three “tear buttons,” explaining, “One is my son. We found out he had a developmental disorder when he was 2 years old. The exact diagnosis is autistic developmental disorder, or autism spectrum disorder.” He added, “Autism has various symptoms, but my son’s language development is delayed. He can barely express himself, only saying ‘yes’ at a very basic level. Born in 2013, he is now 13 years old.”

He continued, “I took my child to the U.S. for treatment, and during that time, my self-esteem dropped as I had to leave my restaurant. Around that period, I received an offer to appear on ‘Culinary Class Wars 2.’ I wanted to show my son that ‘Dad is a chef,’ so I joined the show.”

Lee Su-geun asked, “How did the treatment go? Was it effective?” Lee Dong-jun replied, “His social skills and sensory issues improved significantly.” Lee Su-geun responded, “It’s rewarding to see the time you invested pay off. Congratulations as a fellow parent.”

Seo Jang-hoon shared, “Though my case isn’t the same, my second child was born sick. Now, he’s healthy and doing well.” Lee Dong-jun nodded, saying, “I think you understand my feelings.”

Lee Su-geun advised, “I’ve also had many articles written about my son. When I cried during interviews, people said, ‘You’re selling emotions.’ But I don’t care. Whether they call it emotional manipulation or whatever, if I’m shaken by people who criticize instead of comforting others’ tears, I don’t think I’m fit to be a father or husband. I shouldn’t be swayed. We must be strong as fathers.”

Seo Jang-hoon added, “What matters is the heart of parents who wish for their precious child to live without worries. It’s natural to cry thinking of their face. However, Dong-jun is also a son to his parents. They must feel pained seeing their daughter struggle. While doing your best for your child, I hope you and your wife can also enjoy life with more ease.”

Lee Dong-jun expressed gratitude, saying, “Today’s advice was precious. I’m deeply moved.”

Meanwhile, Lee Su-geun and Park Ji-yeon’s second son, now a high school student, was born prematurely at 1.6 kilograms in his seventh month of pregnancy and suffered from cerebral palsy. He has since recovered normally and is currently studying abroad.

/ hsjssu@osen.co.kr

[Photo] Screen capture from ‘Ask Me Anything, Bossal,’ SNS