On March 9, 2025, at 8:50 PM, actor Song Il-gook made a notable appearance on TV Chosun's popular culinary show 'Baekban Trip with Heo Young-man'. This specific episode featured Song Il-gook introducing the culinary delights of Songdo, where he previously raised his triplets Daehan, Minguk, and Manse.
Rising to stardom through the historical drama 'Jumong' back in 2006, Song Il-gook has since captivated audiences as the beloved father of triplets on the reality show 'Superman Returns'. His charm and parenting experiences earned him fame and affection from viewers nationwide. Nevertheless, after experiencing significant public success, he withdrew from the limelight, leaving many to ponder: what has he been up to?
During his engaging conversation with Heo Young-man, Song Il-gook shared insights about his recent endeavors. He stated he has been focusing on musicals and live performances, noting, "I’ve been auditioning like a newcomer, even though I am now 27 years deep in this career." His passion for performing arts remains strong, demonstrating his relentless commitment to honing his craft.
Reflecting on his early aspirations to become an actor, Song Il-gook recounted how he received pivotal advice from Yoo Dong-geun, with whom he had crossed paths during the filming of the drama 'Tears of the Dragon'. "At the time, I was confused about my future. My mother, Kim Eul-dong, was filming, and Yoo Dong-geun advised me, 'If I were your character, I would become an actor.' Those words struck me deeply and motivated me to enter the MBC talent competition," he recalled.
Audience members were also treated to glimpses of Song Il-gook's family life. He spoke lovingly about his triplets and their adventures, humorously describing how his household operates much like a busy daycare center. "The washing machine runs 24 hours, and we go through one pack of diapers every single day," he admitted, evoking laughter from the host.
Song Il-gook’s affection for his family evident, particularly as his children have already reached middle school. He highlighted how his son Daehan, now standing at 180cm tall, often jokes about their eating habits. "Once we went to eat Hanwoo (Korean beef), and Daehan exclaimed, 'What kind of meat is this? I've never tasted anything like it!'" he laughed, sharing the amusing anecdotes of parenting.
The conversation also took a light-hearted turn when he detailed his love story with his wife, prosecutor Jung Seung-yeon. He revealed the humorous challenges he faced when pursuing her. Notably, he was rejected not once, but twice! The couple eventually married in 2008, and they welcomed triplets together four years later.
Despite being celebrated as one of the nation's top actors, Song Il-gook shared more about his family dynamics and the challenges of being the father of three energetic children. "My wife and I have surely had our hands full. I even joked about being the husband of a public servant and how our lives have shifted now because of her career. We left Songdo because of her job transfer. I pride myself on saying, 'Songdo is the best city to raise kids,'" he remarked.
Song Il-gook’s warmth and love for his family shone brightly as he discussed his life. He expressed how he hopes to continue balancing his family responsibilities with his career ambitions. When asked by Heo Young-man why he moved from the city he praised, Song Il-gook’s quick response offered both humor and sincerity: "Because my wife is busy!" This light-hearted exchange resulted not just from the candid nature of their conversation but also illustrated their shared life responsibilities.
He also showcased pride as he spoke about his wife's impressive linguistic skills, as she has mastered five languages: Korean, English, German, Japanese, and French. "She even learned French to prepare for her training sessions abroad. While I can only speak Korean and North Korean dialect, she has skills I admire greatly," he laughed, bringing levity and laughter to the discussion.
The episode allowed fans and viewers familiar with Song Il-gook to see beyond the fame he once enjoyed—providing insight about the man behind 'Superman Returns'. His family-oriented discussions resounded well with viewers who, like him, face the challenges of raising children today. Overall, this appearance showcased not only how life transitions for celebrities resemble those of everyday people, but also provided laughter, parenting wisdom, and charming stories about love and commitment.
Through his unfaltering commitment to acting and the joy he finds as they navigate parenthood, Song Il-gook’s story continues to inspire many within and beyond the realms of entertainment.