Actor and shaman Lee Gun-ju opens up about family secrets and the wounds of being separated from his brother, who was adopted in France, as they reunite.
Lee Gun-ju, also known as "Soondol," reunited with his biological brother, Lee Gun-chul, who was adopted in France right after birth, through the TV Chosun show "Dad and Me" (literal translation). The two had previously reconnected 18 years ago thanks to the efforts of his "French" brother, but eventually lost touch due to language and cultural differences.
Upon their difficult reunion, Lee Gun-ju shared, "I wasn't in a position to be of much help at the time. I felt so sorry that I pushed him away because I wanted to be a cool and proud older brother to him," reflecting on their past.
When Lee Gun-ju apologized, saying, "I won't avoid or run away from the difficulties," his brother Lee Gun-chul comforted him instead, saying, "I don't blame you."
Then, Lee Gun-chul expressed a long-held curiosity, "I actually have some questions for our parents," revealing the questions he had harbored for over 40 years since being adopted in France.
Lee Gun-chul asked a series of questions about whether they have the same mother, why he had to be the one adopted, why they weren't raised together, and why their parents didn't fulfill their roles properly. Once he started, he couldn't stop pouring out his questions, confessing, "Why was I the only one sent away for adoption? Being the only one adopted was actually a huge wound for me." Lee Gun-ju, moved by his brother's words, tearfully said, "Why did our brotherhood have to..." struggling to find the right words.
Whether Lee Gun-ju and his "French" brother Lee Gun-chul can heal the misunderstandings from 18 years ago and the wounds from their separation over 40 years ago will be revealed on "Dad and Me" on the 17th.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)