On March 26, 2025, actress Nam Bo-ra made a heartfelt appearance on tvN's popular entertainment program 'You Quiz on the Block', where she opened up about her life as the eldest of 13 siblings and shared the exciting news of her upcoming wedding in May. The episode featured not only Nam Bo-ra but also her mother and all of her siblings, showcasing the close-knit family dynamic that has characterized her life.
Nam Bo-ra, who has garnered attention for her roles in various dramas, mentioned that after her participation in the program 'Angels' Choir', she received numerous offers from entertainment agencies. "I naturally began my career in the entertainment industry since high school," she explained. During the show, host Yoo Jae-seok inquired about her financial support for her siblings' education, to which she responded, "I helped pay for their registration fees and tuition with the money I earned from my activities in the industry." She emphasized her belief in giving back to her siblings, stating, "As someone who received a lot of help, I think I should repay that love to my siblings. I never thought it was a waste to pay for their tuition, and they don’t take it for granted either."
In a touching moment, Nam Bo-ra shared a story about how her siblings expressed their love for her. "When they received their first allowance, they would save 100,000 won in an envelope and give it to me. I have received all of my siblings' first allowances," she revealed, highlighting the deep bond they share.
During the episode, her siblings also prepared heartfelt letters, which brought Nam Bo-ra to tears. Her seventh sibling, for instance, congratulated her on her upcoming marriage, saying, "Sister, I congratulate you on becoming a bride this May!" This sibling humorously expressed concern over whether Nam Bo-ra would ever get married, attributing it to her caring nature that often puts family first. They even posed a whimsical question about whether Nam Bo-ra would want to be born as the youngest sibling in their next life, to which she responded with laughter.
Nam Bo-ra reminisced about their challenging childhood, recalling, "When we were young, we weren't a wealthy family. There were times when the water, gas, and electricity were all cut off, and we had to light candles. We also boiled water on a gas burner to wash ourselves and shared five packs of ramyeon among ten people." Despite those hardships, she noted, "There wasn't anyone who was unhappy at that time. I worked hard then, and I hope my family doesn't feel like I sacrificed myself." This resilience has apparently solidified their family bond, with Nam Bo-ra stating, "I think that’s why our family is so tightly knit today."
Nam Bo-ra's mother, Lee Young-mi, also drew attention during the show for her youthful appearance at 61 years old. Yoo Jae-seok remarked on her youthful looks, stating, "Your mother looks very young," to which Nam Bo-ra humorously acknowledged the family’s good genes.
As the eldest daughter, Nam Bo-ra has taken on a nurturing role, often referred to by her siblings as their "second mother." This familial love was palpable throughout the episode, as her siblings shared their admiration and gratitude for her sacrifices. They expressed how her support has shaped their lives, with one sibling stating, "We grew up in difficult circumstances, but those moments have made us who we are today. I want to experience all those moments with my family and live happily together, no matter the hardships."
Nam Bo-ra's upcoming wedding has been a topic of excitement among her family and fans alike. She humorously described her fiancé as resembling soccer star Son Heung-min, calling him "a Son Heung-min with three children." She shared that her siblings were initially surprised by her engagement, with one sibling jokingly stating, "I thought you might not get married because of your personality!"
In addition to family dynamics, the episode also highlighted Nam Bo-ra's professional life. She appeared alongside chef Park Jung-hyun and restaurant owner Park Jeong-eun, who run a successful Korean restaurant in New York City, known for its Michelin-starred cuisine. The couple shared their journey of starting the restaurant with a mere 5 million won and how they have become a culinary sensation in a city renowned for its gastronomy.
As the show concluded, viewers were left with a sense of warmth and connection, both to Nam Bo-ra’s personal journey and the supportive family that has been a cornerstone of her life. The episode served not just as a celebration of Nam Bo-ra's achievements and her upcoming marriage, but also as a reminder of the importance of family bonds and the love that transcends life's challenges.
