Lee Jae Won, an iconic figure from the first generation of K-pop, recently unveiled a heroic act of courage and familial devotion that reads more like a plot of a Korean drama than real-life events.
What happened?
1st-Gen K-pop Idol Lee Jae Won Saves Grandfather in North Korea
A Father's Regret and Revelation
The esteemed artist, acclaimed for his role in the globally recognized boy band H.O.T, has now been revealed as the savior who led a mission to extricate his grandfather from the clutches of North Korea.
The incredible tale was unraveled during an episode of a popular variety show, where Lee Jae Won appeared alongside his father.
During the heartfelt conversation, his father candidly divulged his regret over his perceived shortcomings as a parent. He surmised his failings might have roots in his own troubled upbringing, with his family torn apart by the bitter partition of the Korean peninsula.
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"I often ponder my shortcomings as a father and feel a pang of guilt," confessed Lee Jae Won's father. "Perhaps, the absence of a stable upbringing, due to my father being in North Korea, influenced the way I raised my own child."
A Grandfather Lost and Found
His father proceeded to narrate the tale of his own father's involuntary conscription into the North Korean army, leading to an unintentional and prolonged stay in the isolated state.
This unexpected twist of fate resulted in a heartbreaking separation from his family in South Korea.
"When I was a mere toddler, fate cruelly snatched my father away," he shared. "He was enlisted, and we thought it was for the South, but in an ironic turn, he was taken to the North. The war ended, but he couldn't return home."
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A Heroic Act and a Family Reunited
The narrative took an unexpected turn when Lee Jae Won's father revealed that a chance communication led to an audacious rescue mission, financed by the idol himself.
The astronomical cost of extricating his grandfather did not deter Lee Jae Won, who was determined to reunite his family.
"Out of the blue, a message came from my father. The cost to bring him home was staggering," he revealed, "When I sought Jae Won's advice, his answer was immediate and resolute. We had to bring him home. Thanks to Jae Won's determination, I saw my father again after five long decades."
The Aftermath
Despite the daring rescue, the reunion was bittersweet. Lee Jae Won's grandfather lived in South Korea for a decade before passing away.
The years of separation and the vastly different life experiences created a palpable distance between the long-separated father and son.
"When we finally met, there was an unexpected gap. His years in North Korea had created a gulf between us," he sadly admitted.
Meanwhile, Lee Jae Won continues to carve out a legendary career, transitioning from an idol to a respected DJ and TV personality, all while carrying the weight of this personal family drama.
