Veteran actress Kang Bu-ja, a beloved figure in Korean entertainment for over six decades, shared a deeply emotional account of her son’s severe illness during an appearance on MBN’s ‘Kim Ju-ha’s Day and Night’. The episode, scheduled to air on Saturday, the 15th, will feature Kang Bu-ja detailing the harrowing experience when her son, then just entering middle school, was hospitalized for six months.
A Son’s Life-Threatening Battle
Kang Bu-ja revealed the extent of her son’s health crisis, explaining that he developed severe inflammation which tragically led to a life-threatening condition. The situation was so dire that he suffered from peritonitis, a serious abdominal infection, and was on the brink of death. Recalling the ordeal, Kang Bu-ja became visibly emotional, stating, “My son almost died due to peritonitis,” and added, “Even now, when I think about it, I can’t speak.” The memory clearly still weighs heavily on her.
Fortunately, her son recovered his health. Kang Bu-ja shared positive updates about her son, who is now a researcher at a university in the United States. To illustrate their family’s journey and resilience, she presented cherished family photos taken during her son’s recovery period, bringing a touching moment to the program.
A Unique Approach to Household Finances
Beyond the personal health struggles, Kang Bu-ja also offered a candid and somewhat surprising glimpse into her domestic life, particularly concerning finances. She confessed that her husband, actor Lee Mook-won, manages all household income, while she receives an allowance for her personal expenses. This arrangement, which she described as completely unexpected, led to lighthearted moments on the show.
Kang Bu-ja explained that since their marriage, Lee Mook-won has been solely responsible for managing their finances. She even humorously recounted instances where she would ask him for more pocket money, saying, “Please give me a little more allowance. I’m short on spending money.” This revelation elicited laughter from the audience and the hosts.
A 59-Year Marriage and a Husband’s Past
The actress also spoke about her enduring marriage of 59 years to Lee Mook-won, whom she dated secretly for four years before tying the knot. Their long journey together has been filled with shared experiences, and she was willing to open up about their life as a couple.
During the broadcast, a photograph of a young Lee Mook-won was shown, prompting exclamations from the hosts about his striking good looks. They commented, “He’s so handsome. Your husband is a pretty boy,” expressing their admiration. However, Kang Bu-ja’s reaction was notably nonchalant. She responded, “What does a man’s face matter?” This dismissive attitude created a humorous stir, with Kang Bu-ja clarifying her stance: “I didn’t marry him because he was handsome.” Her explanation brought more laughter and amusement to the set.
The program also touched upon the reasons behind Kang Bu-ja’s decision to marry Lee Mook-won, sparking curiosity among viewers.
Addressing Infidelity and Forgiveness
Host Kim Ju-ha posed a direct and provocative question to Kang Bu-ja: “How far should one forgive a spouse?” This question arose after Kang Bu-ja mentioned that she had forgiven her husband for past instances of infidelity that occurred when they were younger.
Kim Ju-ha’s pointed inquiry aimed to understand Kang Bu-ja’s perspective on marital forgiveness, particularly in light of her husband’s past actions. The audience eagerly awaited Kang Bu-ja’s response, anticipating her thoughts on navigating such sensitive marital issues and the boundaries of forgiveness in a long-term relationship.
The episode promises a blend of heartfelt personal stories, candid reflections on family life, and discussions on enduring relationships, offering viewers a deeper insight into the life of the respected actress Kang Bu-ja.
