2NE1 Dara opened up about her struggles as a 19-year-old breadwinner who raised her siblings and family when they were in the Philippines.
On March 25, TV CHOSUN's entertainment program, "Lovers in Joseon," featured the engaged couple, former MBLAQ Thunder and ex-Gugudan Mimi, drinking with the groom's two older sisters, Sandara and Durami.
During their talk, they revealed stories about how Dara became the "second mother" of Thunder, who raised him while their real mother was also busy working to pay their debts.
Dara Gets Emotional As She Reminisced Childhood in the Philippines as Breadwinner
Park Durami, the Park siblings' only non-celebrity sister, took the time to express gratitude to Dara, as she brought back their eldest sister's sacrifices when she was still active in the Philippines as a soloist and actress.
"When she was younger, she was a crybaby. Her body is weaker than it is now, and she could barely sleep (because she was busy)."
In response, Sandara confessed:
"I couldn't sleep for a year, but I think I just held on because I couldn't quit. I cried a lot. It was hard."
Durami then continued:
"She has so much responsibility as the head of the family.”
During her participation in the Philippine talent reality program "Star Circle Quest" in 2004, she revealed that at the time she had to bear the weight of being the head of the family at a young age. She was 19 then.
Thanks to her hard work, Sandara made her name known while working in the Philippines. Back then, she was so popular that she was called "BoA of the Philippines" for her cute visuals, as well as her acting and singing skills.
Afterwards, she debuted as a member of 2NE1 in Korea in 2009. The group became a massive hit.
Even after officially ending group activities in 2016, Dara's fame continues as she engages in various activities like acting, MC-ing at variety and talk shows, and doing solo singing activities.
2NE1 members are also actively meeting one another, and there are rumors that they will make a comeback sometime this year.
Thunder Feels Grateful to His 'Second Mom' & Eldest Sister Sandara Park
Looking back, Thunder, who will now become the head of his own family, said:
"Now, I have to relieve my eldest sister's burden."
In an interview with the production crew, Thunder also expressed his thoughts that he couldn't say in front of Dara.
"She always felt more like a second mother than an older sister to me. When I look back on the time I lived in the Philippines, my eldest sister was also 19 at the time, and I think about how difficult it must have been.
I think I felt it more after meeting Mimi. Before that, I didn't think anything of it. But after meeting Mimi and preparing for marriage, I thought, 'I'm now going to become the head of the family,' and I think I felt it more then."
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
