Review: This is a review article written after watching the broadcast.
In episode 2 of "My Heart Is Soft Counseling Center," developmental disability youths called "Monggeul" were shown taking steps toward their first love. At the same time, it faithfully portrayed how developmental disability youths live in society, leaving a deep impression.
In episode 2 of SBS Special "My Heart Is Soft Counseling Center," which aired on the 15th, the Monggeul attendees who went on a second blind date were featured.
First, on that day, O Ji-hyun revealed her second blind date after receiving abundant encouragement and tips from Lee Hyori, meeting a partner with similar interests and tastes and naturally continuing the conversation. During the conversation, Ji-hyun cautiously brought up her story. She said, "I have an intellectual disability, so I'm weak at math and I'm not familiar with transportation," and honestly added, "I'm not used to finding new routes." She hoped her partner would understand her shortcomings.
In response, the partner also shared his own experiences. He said, "I also have an intellectual disability," and added, "I didn't know I was different from others when I was young, but I realized it when I entered middle school." He went on to say, "I understood it in my head, but my body couldn't follow, so it was hard," candidly describing the time it took to accept his disability. He added, "Everyone is different and everyone has shortcomings," and said, "I think we can slowly help each other by filling in each other's gaps." Ji-hyun also replied, "I'm grateful. I have weak points too, so please be understanding. I'll do my best to help you," showing a desire to understand and rely on each other.
The two then watched a movie together and spent time having a barbecue. When the partner burned the meat, Ji-hyun said kindly, "I like charred meat," to ease any embarrassment. It turned out the partner had even practiced grilling meat by watching YouTube for this meeting, but it didn't go as planned. He said, "I'm clumsy now, but next time I'll grill it properly," and Ji-hyun comforted him, "It's okay. Don't worry about it."
In another meeting, Jung Ji-won also drew attention with his romantic side. With manners like a drama leading man, showing the charm of a "drama-tearing man," Jung Ji-won displayed thoughtful consideration by naturally taking a hanger when his blind date removed her coat and offering food with a fork. Watching this, Lee Sang Soon said, "He really has good manners," looking pleased.
The two, who had never hailed a taxi without a taxi app, finally caught one amid trials and tribulations in the middle of Myeong-dong. At that moment, Jung Ji-won cautiously reached out his hand, saying, "Let's hold hands because I'm afraid we'll get lost," and the two set off relying on each other. It was also revealed that they bought train tickets themselves for the first time at the station and went on a trip. These are everyday occurrences for ordinary people, but they were first experiences and special challenges for them. Watching this, Lee Hyori said, "Why is this so moving and beautiful," expressing her emotion.
That day the broadcast also shared O Ji-hyun's family story. Older sister Oh Jeong-hyun recalled, "Ji-hyun was a child who always followed her older sister around when she was young." She said, "To be honest, there were times I felt embarrassed by a sibling who was different from others," and confessed, "There were times I suggested we walk apart because I was bothered by people's eyes." She added, "I was completely different back then compared with now."
When the production staff asked the younger sister about that memory, Ji-hyun smiled and said, "I remember. My sister had a lot of prejudice." She added, "When my sister's friends came to the house, I would just say hello and go into my room," and said, "Why can't I play with them? I have sad memories." But she went on to say, "Still, I understand my sister's feelings. I thought I might have done the same," showing understanding toward her sister.
The most attention-grabbing part was the parents' interview. O Ji-hyun's parents said, "Ji-hyun was a child who was a little slower than others in everything," and added, "At first we didn't tell people around us about the disability." They continued, "When we said 'intellectual disability,' there were looks of pity or sympathy from people," but confessed, "But disability is not a crime, so I thought there was no need to hide it."
Eventually the family decided to disclose the disability after persuasion from their eldest daughter. After that, Ji-hyun began to take on various activities and was living, recording her life more diligently than anyone else. The older sister said, "I didn't expect she'd do so many activities after disclosing the disability," and proudly added, "Ji-hyun is the kind of person who isn't afraid of new challenges."
Currently Ji-hyun was also conducting disability awareness improvement lectures with her older sister. In the lectures she said, "It's wrong to find it hard to get close to friends with developmental disabilities or to view them as pitiful and sad," and through her experience she was conveying a message to people.
The parents said about their daughter's future, "It seems society finds it hard to imagine children with disabilities dating," and added, "But they are the same people and the same youth. I hope our daughter makes beautiful memories in her 20s." They showed affection for their daughter, saying, "Even if it's not a romantic relationship, I hope it becomes a good experience."
Jung Ji-won's parents also recalled their son's school days. The parents said, "Ji-won often spent time alone and was a child who liked swinging." Jung Ji-won also said, "I want to hang out with friends who like and understand me. I want to try many things." Watching this, Lee Hyori and Lee Sang Soon offered warm encouragement, saying, "Even if it's not necessarily a girlfriend, the connection you make here can become a friend," and, "We hope you travel together and have many experiences. Fighting."
"Monggeulmonggeul counseling center" is a program that depicts an eight-week journey in which developmental disability youths, who dreamed of love but had few opportunities, find their first love through dating coaching.
The broadcast left a deep aftertaste by conveying that disability is not something special or different, and by conveying the meaning of relationships in which people understand and fill each other's shortcomings. At the same time, it delivered a warm message that interest, understanding and warm support are needed so developmental disability youths can mingle more naturally in society and unfold their lives, prompting reflection on current society.
[Photo] "Monggeul counseling center"
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