In an interview with Ilgan Sports, Jaejoong admitted that although he has been praised as a “filial son” for supporting his parents – even buying them a mansion worth over KRW 6 billion – friends often joke: “Because of you, I look like a bad son.” The lighthearted teasing highlights the pressure she has faced since revealing her family life on KBS2’s Stars’ Top Recipe at Fun-Staurant, where she appears as a semi-regular cast member, sharing not only her cooking skills but also heartwarming stories with her parents, eight older sisters and nieces and nephews.
Although many Korean celebrities avoid publicly revealing their families, Jaejoong has gradually lifted the veil. He first appeared alongside his mother on KBS1’s Morning Yard before inviting audiences to delve deeper into his family through Stars’ Best Recipe on Fun-Staurant. For years, even his fans have avoided discussing his adoption into his current family, considering it a sensitive topic. But at around age 35, Jaejoong decided it was time to stop hiding. “If I keep everything bottled up, I will remain trapped in the pain. By facing difficulties openly, I become stronger, and so does my family,” he explained.
The singer noted that the openness has been liberating not only for himself but also for his parents, who are now in their 80s. “I knew revealing my family would be a huge burden, but the show gave me the opportunity to be honest. My parents feel comfortable now, and I finally feel relieved too.”
Jaejoong also shared how his public image has affected his grandchildren. Although his fame as an idol once gave them bragging rights, he joked that his long absence from the Korean entertainment scene had made the “passionate uncle” disappear – until his recent resurgence brought him back. With his Jae Friends YouTube content, new idol collaborations and his constant appearances on Stars’ Top Recipe on Fun-Staurant, he is once again a source of pride for his family.
Reflecting on more than 20 years in the industry, Jaejoong acknowledged both triumphs and failures. In addition to his career as a singer, actor, and member of TVXQ and JYJ, he founded his own entertainment company, produced a girl group, and even launched his own traditional liquor brand. “People tell me to slow down, but resting makes me restless. I want to keep challenging myself in new fields, even if I’m starting again as a beginner. It’s exhausting sometimes, but it makes me happy.”
For Jaejoong, mistakes and hardships were the foundation of growth. “I have made many mistakes, but I believe I will become stronger by overcoming them. Failure is what drives me forward. I listen to advice, learn from risks, and if I fail again, I will try again. Staying stagnant is never an option.”
Sources: naver
