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Choi Soo-jong Shares Photos of Adult Children, Explains Formal Speech Practice
🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Choi Soo-jong Shares Photos of Adult Children, Explains Formal Speech Practice

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Actor Choi Soo-jong shared photos of his grown children on a TV show, noting his daughter resembles his wife, Ha Hee-ra, while his son shares his eyes.
  • Choi explained his practice of using formal language with his children, even as adults, stems from a desire to treat them as independent individuals and a past experience of them not recognizing him after long absences due to filming.
  • He also shared insights into his long and harmonious marriage with Ha Hee-ra, emphasizing mutual respect, consideration, and open communication.

South Korean actor Choi Soo-jong recently appeared on the KBS 1TV program 'Achim Madang,' where he shared recent photographs of his adult son and daughter. The actor remarked that his daughter bears a strong resemblance to his wife, actress Ha Hee-ra, while playfully noting that their children's eyes are identical to his own. Choi, who married Ha Hee-ra in 1993, has a son born in 1999 and a daughter born in 2000.

They say they resemble both Mom and Dad a little, but I'm not sure.

— Choi Soo-jongThe actor responded to questions about which parent his children resemble more.

During the program, Choi elaborated on his distinctive parenting style: using formal language, or 'jondaetmal,' with his children, even now that they are adults. He explained that this practice began when his children were very young. While filming the historical drama 'Taejo Wang Geon,' Choi was away from home for extended periods, sometimes four or five days at a time. Upon his return, he found that his young children had become unfamiliar with him, which deeply upset him. This experience motivated him to foster a sense of respect and recognition for his children as distinct individuals.

They also don't find formal language unfamiliar. It has become our family's habit.

— Choi Soo-jongChoi explained how his children have adapted to the family's unique communication style.

Choi also shared that his mother and mother-in-law initially used formal language with the children but shifted to more casual speech as they grew older. The children then requested that they continue using 'jondaetmal.' This request, coupled with Choi's own desire to treat his children as independent persons, led to the family adopting this unique communication style. He stated that his children are comfortable with it and feel respected by their parents, viewing it as a natural part of their family's daily life.

I think they know that Mom and Dad respect them as independent individuals.

— Choi Soo-jongChoi reflected on the impact of using formal language on his children's sense of self-worth.

The actor also touched upon the secrets to his enduring and harmonious marriage with Ha Hee-ra. He emphasized that mutual consideration and respect are paramount in a relationship. Choi revealed that he and his wife hug daily, and he often kisses her. He mentioned they have never had a major argument in their years of marriage, attributing this to his understanding that when Ha Hee-ra is upset, she seeks empathy and comfort rather than immediate solutions. He stressed the importance of understanding and validating a partner's feelings.

Are you treating her well?

— Choi Soo-jongChoi recounted asking his son about his female friend, showing paternal care.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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