On March 10, 2025, comedian Lee Kyung-sil's son, Son Bo-seung, took on the ambitious task of organizing a birthday surprise for his mother using borrowed funds. The event, featured on TV Chosun's variety program 'Love Affair of Chosun', gave viewers insight not only on the struggles of familial relationships but also on the lengths one might go for love.
When it came time for Son Bo-seung to secure the funds for this heartfelt gesture, the young man borrowed 2 million won from his mother, Lee Kyung-sil. Despite his financial shortfalls, he explained to her, "I borrowed 2 million won from my mom. I want to do something impressive for her birthday." Showing concern, Lee Kyung-sil commented on her son’s spending habits, saying, "You guys go out with your son and enjoy. I thought you guys were doing well. Is it not?" This exchange reflected the familiar push and pull found within many parent-child dynamics.
Son Bo-seung’s plans included not only presents but also hosting the event outdoors at Cheonggyecheon, which would require him to organize busking. This combination of performance and celebration was to captivate his mother on her special day. Yet, this heartfelt plan faced unexpected challenges, primarily the extreme cold weather conditions, which dropped to -25 degrees Celsius, making preparations more complicated.
On the day of the event, the young man realized he needed to enlist more assistance. He approached his sister, Son Su-ah, for help, stating, "I borrowed money just to make this happen; I also need equipment for the busking." She agreed, demonstrating the family's solidarity even as they grappled with their financial State. Son Bo-seung used Son Su-ah’s card to purchase hotel cakes for the event, aiming to fulfill their mother’s wishes.
Despite the difficulties faced during the day of the event, including freezing temperatures and technical difficulties with equipment, Son Bo-seung remained determined. He prepared celebratory balloons for decoration; sadly, they failed to withstand the harsh winds. MCs on the show were present to observe this tumultuous effort and remarked, "It's so cold, my hands are freezing. It’s even colder than the freezer!" prompting concern for Son Bo-seung as he braved the conditions to execute his plan.
After overcoming several setbacks, including arriving late due to the challenges faced, Son Bo-seung finally reunited with his mother at the restaurant, bringing flowers and the hotel cake. He recounted, "I wanted to do this before I might enlist. It might be soon, so I figured to do something nice for mom." His thoughtful gesture led to warm responses, particularly when he surprised Lee Kyung-sil with seaweed soup he had prepared himself, brightening up what otherwise might have been seen as uneventful.
Lee Kyung-sil displayed her delight at the hotel cake but was momentarily let down when Son Bo-seung carelessly drank the seaweed soup straight from the bowl. This innocent blunder elicited her mixed emotions, leading her to say, "Just eat it. I guess I won’t have any." Yet, moments later, their tight bond shone through as laughter replaced the earlier tension.
Overall, the day's events served far beyond merely celebrating Lee Kyung-sil’s birthday. It was about mending familial relationships and the poignant realizations about responsibility and care. During their exchange, both mother and son acknowledged the long road they had traveled. Lee Kyung-sil expressed concern, “You haven't even been to the army yet; what are you thinking?” stressing her desire for Son Bo-seung to take responsibility for his choices.
Despite past estrangements due to difficulties surrounding early parenthood, especially after Son Bo-seung became estranged from his family following his premarital pregnancy, this birthday proved pivotal. It opened the door for healing and new beginnings for the family, allowing them to find common ground amid challenges.
So as the segment wrapped, it could be noted how small gestures, like borrowed money for special events, can spark significant changes within relationships. The cold of March may have chilled the air, but the warmth of love between Lee Kyung-sil and Son Bo-seung radiated through the laughter, shared meals, and memories forged on this beautiful but bitterly cold day.