Kim Mi-Ryeo Opens Up About Motherhood Struggles

On April 13, 2025, comedian Kim Mi-ryeo opened up about her experiences as a mother on MBC's 'Embracing Moms,' revealing the emotional challenges she faced when her second child was diagnosed with a rare disease. Appearing alongside her mother, Jang Sam-ran, Kim shared heartfelt stories about her family, particularly her son who suffers from congenital collagen deficiency.

Kim Mi-ryeo, who married actor Jung Sung-yoon in 2013, has two children, a daughter and a son. She recounted the overwhelming feelings she experienced when her son was born. "When my son was first born, I had to rely on the hospital for care. I couldn’t stand hearing other babies cry in the postpartum care center. Here was my little one, hooked up to all kinds of tubes, and I thought, 'What postpartum care can I even think of? I didn’t have time for that,'" she recalled, emphasizing the emotional toll it took on her as a new mother.

During the show, host Song Eun-yi asked Kim how becoming a mother changed her perspective. Kim responded with admiration for all mothers, expressing that even if she were a full-time housewife, she couldn’t have managed as well. "After having my child, I really started to see what mothers go through. I wondered, 'How did my mom raise us so well? She's like a saint,'" Kim reflected, her voice tinged with emotion.

The conversation took a poignant turn as Kim described how her son’s health issues forced her to grow as a person. "Despite the challenges, I’ve learned so much from this experience. It’s made me a stronger person," she stated, demonstrating her resilience and dedication as a mother.

Kim's son’s condition, congenital collagen deficiency, is a rare disease that can lead to complications in the development of major organs. This diagnosis meant that Kim had to frequently visit hospitals, often at the expense of her own recovery from childbirth. "I was constantly going back and forth to the hospital, and that really put things into perspective for me," she explained.

Reflecting on her journey, Kim also touched on her career. She debuted as a comedian in 2006 through MBC's special recruitment program, gaining fame with her role in the 'Samo-nim' segment of the show 'Gag-ya.' Despite her success in comedy, she admitted that her true calling was not without its struggles. "I had dreams of being a singer and even ran away to Seoul twice to pursue music. But I ended up finding my place in comedy," she shared, highlighting her path to success.

As the discussion continued, Kim revealed that her husband, Jung Sung-yoon, had also faced challenges when their son was born. In a previous appearance on KBS2's 'Living Men' in 2020, he disclosed that their son had significant breathing difficulties at birth, with doctors warning that he might not survive the night. Fortunately, their son has since grown healthy, and Kim often shares joyful moments of her children on social media.

Kim Mi-ryeo’s candid sharing of her experiences resonates with many viewers, as it sheds light on the often unseen struggles of parenthood, particularly when facing serious health issues. Her journey reflects the strength of maternal love and the resilience that comes with it.

In conclusion, Kim Mi-ryeo’s heartfelt revelations on 'Embracing Moms' not only highlight her personal growth through motherhood but also serve as an inspiring reminder of the strength mothers possess in the face of adversity. Her story is one of love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her children, making her a relatable figure for many parents navigating similar challenges.