Actor and shaman Lee Geon-joo, who is set to appear on the family entertainment program "Dad, Me and Dads," made a bold statement, saying, "I will open Pandora's box regarding my parents."

The second season of TV CHOSUN's "Dad, Me and Dads" is set to premiere on the evening of the 11th at 10 p.m. Lee Geon-joo, who won the nation's love for his role as Sundol in the drama "Three Families Under One Roof," is now walking the path of a shaman, and he is gaining heated attention as he announces his appearance. Previously, Lee Geon-joo revealed that he grew up with his grandmother and aunts since he was 2 years old and does not have contact with his parents, which drew sympathy. Moreover, he is expected to disclose for the first time the reason for his estrangement from his parents in this episode of "Dad, Me and Dads," further increasing the focus on the show.

Lee Geon-joo, who said he was exhausted just from receiving questions about his parents, revealed that after several refusals, he ultimately decided to appear on "Dad, Me and Dads." He started the program with his honest feelings about his parents while also carrying the concern that "it might make my father look like a bad person."

Q. What were your thoughts when you first received the offer to appear on "Dad, Me and Dads"? And what motivated you to decide to participate?

- First of all, I thought I could never appear on the "Dad, Me and Dads" program. I had been a loyal viewer since Season 1, so I knew well that it dealt with family relationships. Therefore, I honestly thought it did not suit me at all. When I received the offer to appear, I was a bit surprised, and at first, I politely declined, saying it would be difficult.

However, after several heartfelt persuasions from the production team, my feelings began to change little by little. In fact, throughout my life, I had been exhausted just from receiving questions about my parents. After initially refusing the offer, I suddenly thought, 'Maybe it's time I could talk honestly about my family?' and 'Is it alright to open the Pandora's box regarding my feelings for my parents?' I began to ask myself these questions, and after much contemplation, I decided to participate.

Q. You have often shown deep affection for your aunts who raised you since childhood. What was their reaction to your appearance on "Dad, Me and Dads"?

- When I told my aunts that I would appear as a representative son on "Dad, Me and Dads," they were very happy. However, they were also very worried. They cautiously asked, "It must be very painful and hard to bring up the stories of your mom and dad, are you sure you’re okay with that?" I think they first considered how I would feel since I am their top priority. They seemed to be worried a lot about whether talking about my parents would hurt me or whether it could harm me in any way.

Q. What kind of image do you plan to portray through "Dad, Me and Dads?" And how would you like the viewers to perceive you?

- Since "Dad, Me and Dads" is an observational entertainment program, it often features unfiltered expressions. I hope viewers can see my genuine self, 100% pure, and think, "Lee Geon-joo is quite honest and interesting," and, "Lee Geon-joo can also be like that?" I would like them to accept me with a sense of fun and ease. Additionally, I hope they can empathize with my story and understand, 'Lee Geon-joo was in such a situation and had such feelings.'

I believe there will be viewers who are in similar situations to mine. I hope it brings them comfort, and I also want to receive support from many people.

Q. What concerns you most about your participation in "Dad, Me and Dads"?

- I suppose it would be about my relationship with my father. I simply want to openly share my relationship with my father, but I worry that others might see it as me trying to confront my father, asking, "Is it okay for a son to be like that to his father?" I also wonder if I am making my father look like a bad person. Of course, it has been 10 years since I became estranged from my father, and I am still angry and confused, but on the other hand, as his son, I have complex and nuanced feelings.

Q. You've been active since childhood, but there isn't much known about your parents. Will you be able to share stories that you haven't revealed before this time?

- I have talked about my parents on air, but I haven't disclosed specific reasons why I don't see them. I intend to sincerely share all my feelings about my mom, dad, and family. I honestly don't know how my feelings about my parents will change through "Dad, Me and Dads." However, I think, if my father has become someone I can respect rather than the person I knew 10 years ago, perhaps we could meet now?

Q. If you have watched Season 1 of "Dad, Me and Dads," which family left the biggest impression on you?

- The family that left the biggest impression on me and resonated with me was the story of Lee Seung-yeon. It must not have been easy for her to reach out to her family first, but I felt like I understood that feeling more than anyone else, and it was like seeing myself. Watching Lee Seung-yeon's story made me think that I could also muster the courage to try.

From a beloved child actor to a shaman, Lee Geon-joo, now in his middle age, will unveil the hidden story with his parents for the first time on Tuesday, March 11, at 10 p.m. on TV CHOSUN's "Dad, Me and Dads."

[Photo] Provided by TV CHOSUN

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