Former basketball player Hyun Joo-yeop appeared gaunt after losing more than 40 kg following various controversies, shocking viewers. His confession that he underwent psychiatric treatment while enduring a difficult time left a heavy impression on viewers.
On the 14th, TV CHOSUN's "Dad and I season 3" will reveal the current condition of Hyun Joo-yeop, once a representative star of Korean basketball. The program highlights his past when his daily life collapsed after allegations of negligence and abusive conduct emerged while he was serving as a high school basketball coach.
In the broadcast, Hyun Joo-yeop appeared so thin that it was hard to imagine his former physique. He calmly said, "I was mentally going through a very hard time," and "I endured it with medication while receiving psychiatric treatment." Although a correction report was later issued regarding the controversies, the wounds he suffered during that process did not heal easily.
Hyun Joo-yeop said, "If it had been something I endured alone, I would have somehow gotten through it, but the most painful thing was that my children and my wife also had to go through difficult times," revealing that his family's daily life was shaken. In particular, his apology and sorrow toward his eldest son Jun-hee were evident throughout his remarks.
Hyun Joo-yeop said, "My eldest son Jun-hee spent the longest time in hospitals and is still going through a difficult time," and added, "He is cut off from the world and is getting by day to day on psychiatric medication."
His son Hyun Jun-hee also revealed complicated feelings on the broadcast. He said, "My dad used to be my dream and the coolest dad. Now… a ruined hero?" and did not hide his bitter emotions. He confessed that after the controversies, fellow students repeatedly bullied him by mentioning his father, and under that scrutiny he ultimately quit basketball and chose to take a leave of absence.
Even a father's attention became a burden to a son who had distanced himself from the world. Jun-hee said, "Honestly, I have uncomfortable feelings. When I was at my lowest, my father didn't notice me, so I wondered why he is acting like he cares now," revealing the deepened rift between father and son.
In response, Hyun Joo-yeop said, "He won't be able to open his heart all at once. Even if it takes time, I believe that if I make an effort it will get better little by little," conveying his unwavering feelings toward his son.
Earlier, Hyun Joo-yeop was embroiled in allegations of neglecting his duties as the Whimoon High School basketball coach due to outside schedules and faced accusations of negligence and abusive conduct through MBC's True Story. At the time, Hyun's side submitted materials proving the allegations were false but protested that their position was not adequately reflected, and later filed a suit against MBC seeking a correction and damages. The court ruled partially in favor of the plaintiff.
Separate from the truth of the controversy, the aftermath fell squarely on his family. Attention is focused on whether Hyun Joo-yeop, once called the "basketball president," can recover his life amid the collapse of his daily routine.
[Photo] OSEN DB, TV CHOSUN provided
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