"'Gireogi Appa' Is a Different Life, Not a Wrong One... Broadcaster Jeong Hyeong-don's Appeal"

Jung Hyung-don’s Daughter Yuha Asks, “Please Don’t Write Malicious Comments”

Broadcaster Jung Hyung-don directly addressed the malicious comments directed at his family after news spread about his life as a ‘gireogi appa’ (goose dad) in Korea.

On the 11th, Jung Hyung-don left a lengthy comment on a video uploaded to the YouTube channel run by his wife, Han Yura, a former broadcast writer, saying, “This is the first time I’ve ever left a comment in my 23 years since debut.”

Earlier, on the 7th, Han Yura uploaded a video titled ‘Our Ordinary Daily Life Vlog Without Dad’ on her YouTube channel.

Broadcaster Jung Hyung-don (left) and his wife Han Yura.
[Photo by Han Yura, Instagram capture]

In this video, Jung Hyung-don’s twin daughter Yooha speaks to the camera, saying, “Please don’t write malicious comments.” She mentioned some hurtful comments such as “Get a divorce” and “(Mom is) a villain,” and asked viewers to “say many good things.”

Some netizens, after learning about Jung Hyung-don’s ‘gireogi appa’ lifestyle, left a series of comments suggesting that he works tirelessly without taking care of his health to support his family living abroad, that his family lives a luxurious life with the money he earns, but that he seems distant from his family.

Following this, Jung Hyung-don himself responded to the comments, drawing attention. He said, “I am not living a pitiful life. I really don’t understand why people see me as pitiful. Many comments say that my body and mind are not well, but I am not someone who is on the brink of collapse; my body and mind are typical for a man in his mid-40s.”

[Photo by YouTube channel 'Hanjakga' capture]

He continued, “We are living well. Like any other ordinary family, there are good times and bad times, and we live like everyone else in the world. You don’t need to worry too much.”

Concerned about the emotional harm malicious comments might cause his children, he also made a plea. He said, “I didn’t know before I had children, but raising kids makes you pay attention to their emotional development. Because of my job, some people look at what I do with a negative perspective, and I have seen comments from people with different views.”

He added, “(The children) will learn that the world is not easy, but it will also leave scars on the hearts of these still-growing kids.”

Jung Hyung-don then spoke about his wife, saying, “Our Yura is the center of our family and my strongest supporter,” and concluded, “Anyway! In conclusion! Thank you for your interest!” He emphasized, “And I am not living a pitiful life. We are a family trying to live well in harmony with the world, just like everyone else.”

He said, “This will probably be the first and last post regarding this. We may live a life somewhat different from others, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong, so I will continue to live diligently.”

"Studying in Hawaii, 100% Husband’s Decision"

Broadcaster Jung Hyung-don’s daughter, Yuha, asking netizens to “please do not write malicious comments.”
[Photo source=YouTube channel ‘Hanjakga’ capture]

Han also replied to Jung Hyung-don’s comment, explaining that the reason they live apart was “100% my husband’s decision.” She explained that Jung Hyung-don, who had dreamed of studying abroad and living overseas, one day proposed their children’s study abroad. She said, “It is realistically difficult for the whole family to go abroad together, but while the kids are still young and while Dad still has some ability, he wanted to give the kids the experiences he wished he had.”

Regarding why they came to Hawaii, Han said, “It is the safest place in the U.S. with the least gun violence,” and “a place where the kids can run and play in nature without academic stress.” She added, “As someone who is not good at English, I am just grateful to send them to Hawaii, where there are many Asians.” She also asked, “Please don’t hate us too much just because the cost of living is high and I don’t spend money recklessly thinking of my husband as a cash machine.”

In response to criticism that their children wore luxury brand T-shirts in the video, she said, “They were birthday gifts from acquaintances here,” and regarding the luxury necklace, she said, “It’s one of the only two necklaces I have in my life,” adding, “Isn’t it normal to have two necklaces after turning 40?”

Meanwhile, recently, celebrities have been responding to rude jokes and malicious comments from netizens by calling them out and preserving the comments as evidence. Recently, Kang Min-kyung of the group Davichi criticized a netizen’s rude joke during a live broadcast, saying, “Is this funny? This kind of comment? It’s not funny.” Last month, Super Junior member Ryeowook expressed anger toward a netizen who left malicious comments while pretending to be a fan.

Actress Park So-dam also received malicious direct messages (DMs) last January and revealed them publicly. The malicious commenter mocked Park So-dam, who overcame papillary thyroid cancer, and insulted her appearance. In response, she calmly said, “Thank you for coming to my Instagram from the beginning of the new year,” adding, “I will be more active in the future. I have saved the original messages. Happy New Year. I want to live a long and healthy life.”