In 'My Ugly Duckling,' Jo Hyun-a expressed her deepened love for her stepfather after her mother's passing.
On the SBS entertainment program 'My Ugly Duckling,' which aired on Aug. 31, singer Jo Hyun-a shared family stories while spending special time with her father.
That day happened to be Jo Hyun-a's birthday. She prepared a self-birthday party, raising a glass with her father as they reminisced about old memories. Jo Hyun-a cautiously recalled, "I first met my dad when I was in 1st grade. Back then, he was just the man from next door, and I wondered why he was there with us, but I didn't know we had that kind of relationship." Although she used to enjoy riding on his back and being playful as a child, she also admitted to treating him harshly as she entered her teenage years. She said, "I couldn't call him 'dad.' It wasn't that I disliked him, but it was because I felt like I had lost my mom. It was hard when I was young," sharing her honest feelings.
In response, her father reminisced, "A few years later, when you finally called me 'dad,' I felt that you had accepted me. My heart was overjoyed then. I realized I now had two daughters."
Jo Hyun-a never forgot the love she received from her father throughout her school years. She vividly remembered, "When I wanted to play the flute in elementary school, despite the expensive instrument cost, my dad bought it for me himself." She also confessed, "When I dreamed of being a jazz singer, my mom opposed it, but my dad was the only one who supported my dream." Her father always took her to school and picked her up every evening without fail. She added, "Living together for nearly 30 years, he has never once scolded me. His diligent nature is admirable and amazing," shedding tears. In response, her father said, "I obtained my daughter for free, so it's a natural sacrifice," which made her even more emotional.
Above all, Jo Hyun-a remembered her mother, who passed away five years ago due to chronic illness. She conveyed her father's dedication, saying, "He was an amazing dad. He took care of my mom with utmost devotion." She continued, "Dad did his best. It's alright because we are here," comforting him.
Jo Hyun-a remarked, "It's completely natural for me to live with my dad," but her father expressed his feelings, saying, "After my wife passed, I wondered if it was right to live with my daughters. Even now, I worry that I might be a burden to you, and I feel sorry about it." In response, Jo Hyun-a asserted, "Don't say that. It's not like that among family. You're not my stepfather; you are my one and only dad. I didn't realize this when I was young, but now I am proud of you, my dad." She particularly promised, "I will take care of you for the rest of my life, so don't worry and live comfortably," leaving everyone moved.
A small gift her father prepared for his daughter on her birthday added to the touching moment. He gave her a flower bouquet along with a headband that brought back memories of her elementary school days. Jo Hyun-a shed tears at her father's heart, who still sees her as a little child. Additionally, he presented a card he had written, sharing memories with the family from the past. After reading a letter that said, "Thank you and I'm sorry," Jo Hyun-a cried again, expressing her gratitude.
Her father said, "I am so happy that you are my daughter. I thank heaven," to which Jo Hyun-a replied, "I feel the same way. I love you, dad," embracing each other tightly and moving everyone to tears.
[Photo] My Ugly Duckling
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