'Dad and me' producers expressed gratitude for the support that followed after the story of Kim Jeong-tae and his son was made public.
On the 9th, TV CHOSUN 'Dad and me' producers told OSEN in a written interview that after recruiting Kim Jeong-tae and Kim Ji-hoo, they decided to reveal the diagnostic process for Asperger syndrome.
When asked whether they were concerned about revealing everything from the testing process to the diagnosis results, they said, "We were worried it might hurt or shock the family, but during filming, seeing the parents' mature attitude in accepting the results and the family's immediate implementation of guidelines for Ji-hoo gradually changed our worry into relief."
They added, "We thought transparently showing the family's 모습을 would allow other families to empathize and support them without prejudice," and expressed gratitude, saying, "After the broadcast, actor Kim Jeong-tae conveyed his thanks to the production team, and we expected many viewers to respond with support and empathy. In fact, many people did send their support."
When asked if any reactions came to mind, the producers said, "Responses like 'I'm proud that Yakkung grew up so wonderfully' and 'As a parent, I cried a lot and learned from seeing parents accept their child's differences' were overwhelming. In particular, there were many empathetic comments from parents with similar concerns."
The producers hinted that the growth process of Kim Jeong-tae and Kim Ji-hoo will continue to be revealed through future broadcasts, saying, "Going forward, you will be able to see how Ji-hoo's prodigious talents will be developed and how father Kim Jeong-tae approaches Ji-hoo and how they come to understand each other."
The producers said, "You can look forward to it, as Ji-hoo's improved sociality after counseling was captured on film. Both parents described it as a 'look they had never seen before' and were surprised. Father Kim Jeong-tae also, taking the teacher's advice, showed a step closer to his son, which moved the studio to tears."
The producers said they hope the portrayal of Kim Jeong-tae and his son will not remain just part of a broadcast. They said, "We think Asperger syndrome is simply one characteristic to be understood while living together. We hope children with Asperger syndrome are respected as 'twice as special' in society. We hope the courage of Kim Jeong-tae and his family will bring warm comfort to other parents with similar concerns and serve as a small occasion for the public to look at these children kindly."
[Photo] TV CHOSUN 'Dad and me'
[OSEN]