Kim Ji-hoo, the eldest son of Kim Jung-tae, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, shows a markedly different appearance than before.
The March 22 episode of TV CHOSUN's Dad and I season 3 features the daily life of 'Yakkungi dad' Kim Jung-tae's family. Younger sibling Si-hyeon's close friends came to the house where Kim Jung-tae's eldest son, 'Yakkungi' Kim Ji-hoo, lives. Ji-hoo, who had been studying alone in his room, greeted them first by saying, "Nice to meet you."
Although friends and family all gathered in the living room, Ji-hoo went alone into his room. Ji-hoo, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, had the characteristic of focusing on his own interests and showing little interest in others. For that reason, both Kim Jung-tae and his wife were most worried about their son's lack of social skills. Even when the whole house became noisy because Si-hyeon and her friends visited, Ji-hoo, who was used to being alone, chose to go into his room. Si-hyeon said she was not surprised, noting, "Rather than playing with friends, he is close with computers, so he plays computer games alone or creates stories."
But soon Ji-hoo watched Si-hyeon, her friends and his father Kim Jung-tae playing together and showed interest, asking, "Should I try too?" Moreover, Ji-hoo surprised everyone by asking various questions while gauging his friends' reactions and then taking the lead in the conversation. Watching the VCR, Jun Hyun-moo said, "He's almost a recreation instructor. It's surprising how he can shift the topic," expressing astonishment at his greatly improved empathy and social skills. Si-hyeon, surprised by Ji-hoo's changed appearance, said, "It's the first time in months I've seen my brother socializing with friends. I was also embarrassed..." Ji-hoo's major changes will be revealed in the full broadcast.
Han Hye-jin said, "It seems he changes after counseling. I hope he comes to enjoy playing with friends," expressing hope for the future. Father Kim Jung-tae also said, "I saw it for the first time, too. I was surprised then, and I'm still surprised," showing amazement at his son's change.
[Photo] Provided by TV CHOSUN
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