The stories of six couples in 'Marital Hell' made not only Dr. Oh Eun-young but also the viewers weep.
The MBC entertainment program 'Oh Eun-young Report - Marital Hell (abbreviated Marital Hell),' aired on the 14th, ranked first in viewership during its time slot. According to Nielsen Korea, 'Marital Hell' recorded a rating of 1.5% among viewers aged 20 to 49, making it the highest among programs aired during the same time.
On that day, 'Marital Hell' revealed the second story of the 'six couples' following last week's episode. Last week, a husband shared the story of caring for his wife, who collapsed and was diagnosed as a person in a vegetative state due to moya moya disease after losing their third son at the age of 3, which drew a strong reaction. Following the broadcast, many comments surfaced on portal site cafes and internet communities, noting that the husband Yang Kwan-sik from the recently popular drama 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' also existed in reality, as viewers realized the greatness of love while watching the husband care for his wife, who is a person in a vegetative state. Notably, there were endless comments expressing genuine support for the families of the six couples, praising a touching scene where the eldest son, who appeared on the show, comforted his weeping father by wrapping his arms around him while watching daily videos.
# The eldest son, a strong support for the father caring for his wife, a person in a vegetative state, appeared in the studio and met Dr. Oh Eun-young
In the second broadcast of the six couples, the eldest son, who steadfastly stands by his father's side, appeared in the studio and met Dr. Oh Eun-young. During a pre-interview with the production team, the husband of the six couples noted that his children always told him 'it's okay' and showed a bright disposition; however, the eldest son recently stated, 'Since mom collapsed, I haven't been able to face reality for even a moment,' revealing that the biggest reason for deciding to appear on the show was his children. In the daily video that followed, the eldest son, preparing to enter high school, went out to find a new school uniform and, upon returning home, immediately approached his ill mother to greet her affectionately.
In the evening, the son showed his mother his new school uniform. Seeing her attempt to say something, he comforted her, saying, 'It's frustrating that you want to talk but can't, right?' He continued, 'I'm listening to everything,' reassuring her. As the son focused on his mother's expression, trying to read her unspoken words through her eyes and mouth, he quietly entered the clothing room and wept. In a subsequent interview, when asked by the production team if he had considered receiving psychological counseling or psychiatric help, he responded, 'I'm afraid they would tell me to stop thinking about mom,' causing Dr. Oh Eun-young and the host panel to weep as well.
# The husband opens up for the first time in five years to his wife, a person in a vegetative state
In the final video of the six couples, the husband was depicted finally opening up to his wife, who had been in a vegetative state for five years. Lying side by side with his wife, he quietly looked at her and brought up a dream he had the previous night, where his wife stood up, shook herself off, and smiled, saying, 'I'm all better.' Despite knowing that his wife's recovery is nearly impossible, he cautiously expressed that he seems to still hold onto hope that she might wake up. Then he suddenly said, 'I don't know how to do everything,' confessing the feelings he had been holding deep inside. The husband, who consistently thinks of his wife's feelings before his own struggles, expressed concern about whether his continued treatment and care for her might be tormenting her, wondering if he is keeping her from leaving if she wants to go.
In response, Dr. Oh Eun-young clearly stated to the husband that 'it's not because you love her that you are tormenting her,' while gently advising that it may be better to transfer her to a hospital. She believed that hospital treatment is necessary not only for the husband's health but also for the emotional stability of the children, given the 24-hour caregiving situation. If hospital admission is difficult due to financial conditions, she suggested considering obtaining assistance from a caregiver during both the day and night. She continued by emphasizing that while standards may vary by local government, 'this is a family that truly needs help,' urging, 'The mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City should provide significant support.'
In the preview released at the end of the broadcast, two individuals whose trust in each other has collapsed, yet cannot easily let go of their relationship, seek out Dr. Oh Eun-young. Although they have been in a common-law marriage for two years, they have yet to register their marriage, and they are deeply contemplating whether or not to do so. The story of the 'distrustful couple,' who repeatedly meet and part ways, will air on Monday, the 21st, at 10:45 p.m.
[Photo] Provided by MBC.
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