On the January 30, 2025 episode of JTBC’s popular program 'Lee Guk-jong,' the unfortunate struggles of a couple, dubbed the 'Concerned Couple,' unraveled, exposing deep-seated issues related to parental care and allegations of child neglect.
During the broadcast, tensions rose when the wife shared alarming details about their family life. She expressed her anxiety surrounding the well-being of their children and the lack of attention they seemed to receive from her husband. One of the key moments of this episode was her statement: "I didn’t report. I called the police to ask if not feeding the baby the proper amount of food from the grandmother could be classified as neglect." This remark set the stage for the couple’s contentious relationship, which was being dissected on national television.
Her comment referred to the police’s involvement due to earlier claims of child neglect, stating: "The police came because there had already been numerous reports of child abuse and domestic violence. They showed up voluntarily." This line of inquiry, initiated by her, sparked serious discussions about standards of parenting and societal expectations of familial support.
Park Ha-sun, the show's host, didn't shy away from addressing the controversial aspects of the discussion. She posed the rhetorical question: "How could a grandmother not feed her own grandchild? She said she did! Which grandmother would not feed her grandson out of resentment toward her daughter-in-law? That’s simply strange." Her emphatic stance signaled her disbelief at the circumstances being discussed, urging viewers to reconsider the assumptions surrounding such claims.
The episode's counseling sessions showcased both parties clearly struggling to navigate their feelings. The wife's frustrations were palpable, particularly as she lamented, “I don’t know if I will have to follow my kids to the hospital for the rest of my life. But my husband seems unconcerned about this.” This sparked insightful commentary from Lee Ho-seon, the counselor on the show, who urged her to take care of herself and manage her distress.
Further compliciating the situation, the husband stated, “I thought if I worked harder, my wife would be less anxious. I try my best to support our family, working extra jobs so she has less to worry about.” He was visibly distressed, caught between providing for the family and addressing his wife’s mounting concerns. Yet, Lee pointedly replied, “Just because you think you’re working hard doesn’t mean this will all resolve. You need to address her feelings as well.”
This juxtaposition of efforts highlighted the emotional tension often present within partnerships, especially when it involves caregiving responsibilities and perceived neglect by one partner. The layers of misunderstanding were palpable, cranked up by the high-stakes environment of reality television.
The 'Concerned Couple' isn’t alone; many viewers echoed similar sentiments. The portrayal of everyday life dilemmas often leaves audiences questioning how family dynamics mirror their own lives and whether society places enough stress on real issues surrounding child welfare.
Through the dialogue shared on the show, it became evident how unresolved feelings can morph under pressure—sometimes becoming explosive. Indeed, the wife's frustrations culminated to her assertively declaring her desire for divorce due to the lack of perceived cooperation from her husband, urging him to finally recognize her struggles.
The program concluded with the spouses still at odds, seemingly trapped in their cycles of emotion. It left viewers contemplating not just their relationship but broader societal issues surrounding parenting, public perceptions, and the manifold challenges of marriage.
'Lee Guk-jong' continues to air weekly on Thursdays at 10:10 PM, aiming to address difficult conversations surrounding modern relationships with sensitivity and insight.