"We can't throw away such history. I definitely want to preserve it, even if I have to pay for it myself." Choo Sung Hoon, who appeared on 'House Hack,' expressed his sincere desire to protect the dojo where he first started judo as a child, moving many to tears.
On the 22nd, the MBC 'House Hack' broadcast depicted the first local inspection in Osaka, catching attention as the first case of a local inspection worldwide.
On that day, Choo Sung Hoon personally introduced the Korea Town in Ikuno Ward, Osaka, where he was born and raised. "This is a neighborhood where many Zainichi Koreans live," he said, recalling memories from 45 years ago during his childhood. He also shared how he had to switch from a baseball career to judo due to financial circumstances. "I couldn't afford baseball equipment, so I could only buy a judo uniform. That's why I started judo."
He then found the site of the home where he lived until he was 12, but it was already a demolished lot. He asked the production crew for "three minutes" and knelt down, sitting quietly in front of the site, removing his hat and glasses, and closing his eyes in deep silence. "Today is the anniversary of my father's passing. It's a day I should visit the grave, but I had a lot of thoughts due to my schedule," said Choo Sung Hoon. Coincidentally, the day he found the demolished childhood home happened to be his father's memorial day. Overwhelmed with unexpected emotions, Choo Sung Hoon said, "I wanted to express my longing and gratitude" towards his father.
He next visited the dojo where he started judo with his father. "Many good athletes have emerged from here. There should be a picture of me too," he expressed with excitement as he opened the door, but when he didn't see a picture, he forced a smile. Then he found a photo of his father in a judo uniform, and he couldn't hide his deep emotions. It turned out that this dojo was run by his father's friend and Choo Sung Hoon's judo master. He had maintained it for 50 years, paying rent of 800,000 to 1 million won. However, currently, the master was unable to manage it due to health deterioration, and a third party was overseeing the dojo.
Upon hearing this news, Choo Sung Hoon immediately said, "If you want to keep this dojo, please contact me. Even if I can't manage it, I definitely want to preserve it." He expressed his sincere feelings, adding, "Our old house has also become a vacant lot. I'm worried that if my teacher passes away too, this place will disappear as well." He indicated a willingness to maintain the dojo at his own expense.
The cast and crew, as well as viewers, who were watching this, reacted by saying, "That's really cool," "He shows where to spend money," and "It's even more touching because it's sincere."
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