On March 14, 2025, the Channel A program, 'Oh Eun-young's Golden Child,' featured actor Lee Sang-in and his wife, Kim Hyun-jung, who opened up about their parenting challenges surrounding their oldest son.
Lee Sang-in, who has three sons aged 8, 6, and 4, revealed on the show, hosted by child psychiatry expert Dr. Oh Eun-young, how they have been living in Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do, farming and focusing on family life for the past six years. The couple candidly discussed the difficulties they face, especially with their first son, who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
During the episode, as Lee Sang-in read to his kids, their oldest son exhibited behaviors, such as laughing at inappropriate moments and displaying inconsistencies during interactions, all of which caught Dr. Oh's serious attention. Dr. Oh Eun-young remarked, "He expresses what he wants to say, but the most challenging thing is the inability to engage in reciprocal conversation. This leads to limited social interaction, which is symptomatic of autism spectrum disorder." Lee Sang-in's wife, visibly emotional, shared how they felt overwhelmed.
She mentioned, "I want to escape this reality; I feel like I want to resign as a housewife." Her statements highlight the stress associated with parenting, particularly when dealing with the added complexity of autism. The acknowledgment of these emotions suggests the depth of their struggles as parents.
Lee Sang-in reflected on his son's first developmental assessments, recalling how the child had been evaluated at the hospital and the initial confusion surrounding the diagnosis after which they struggled to accept the findings. "At the initial checkup, they examined his artwork. He usually draws big, but on one occasion, he drew himself small. It left us confused about whether he was experiencing stress," Lee explained. This reflective thinking shows their dedication to comprehending their son's behavior.
Dr. Oh explained to the couple, "Autistic traits are not due to parental negligence or environmental issues; it arises from intrinsic neurological connectivity problems. No one is at fault for it. There are ways to develop social skills if techniques are practiced repeatedly." This professional advice offered hope and guidance for Lee Sang-in and Kim Hyun-jung as they navigate this challenging path with their children.
The emotional tension escalated when Dr. Oh stated, "The tears you shed today may turn to rivers of strength. Meeting your child face-to-face fosters communication." The couple's tears depicted their internal battles as they grapple with the realization of their child's condition. Lee Sang-in, who married Kim Hyun-jung, 11 years his junior, three years ago, recounted how their parenting is rife with exhaustion from being weekend parents due to his professional commitments.
Unlike the youngest brothers, who exhibit typical behavior, the oldest son interacts with his environment differently, leading to distress for the family. Observational video footage presented during the episode showcased various scenarios, where the oldest kind of withdrew during play with peers, emphasized by his mother observing, "He avoids eye contact and appears quieter compared to others." This reflects the need for strategies to support his social development.
Dr. Oh highlighted how these challenges require not only professional intervention but also family support with structured routines to create stability for the child. "Establishing habitual environments helps children find comfort amid their social difficulties. This structure is important for fostering trust and safety," Dr. Oh said, framing the situation with practical solutions.
The show framed Lee Sang-in and Kim Hyun-jung's family as grappling with feelings of isolation and guilt. Lee's wife expressed doubts about her role, saying, “I’ve felt like giving up over the years due to accumulated stress but I'm trying to stay hopeful.” This brings light to the struggles many families may face when confronted with similar diagnoses.
The program is part of Channel A’s commitment to showcasing family dynamics and promoting awareness about autism. 'Oh Eun-young's Golden Child' airs every Friday at 8:10 PM, intending to offer support to struggling families. Each episode features insights from child psychologists, helping parents find solution-oriented practices.
Despite their struggles, Lee Sang-in and Kim Hyun-jung remain dedicated. They have embraced farming naturally, cultivating crops with their family, which provides additional strength and purpose beyond the evident parenting hardships. They continue to nurture their network, indicating resilience forged through adversity.
While there are hurdles to overcome, the couple's sincerity and willingness to engage openly about their experiences mirror the journeys of countless parents grappling with similar worries about their children. Their story serves not only as documentation of struggles but also as encouragement for other families facing the unknown within the spectrum of autism.
Overall, the episode has opened up discussions about mental health for both children and parents, emphasising support, education, and the importance of communication within families affected by autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Oh Eun-young’s measured approach aims to help demystify autism and offer practical parenting advice, fostering hope and community among families.