Lee Dong-gun Revives Late Brother's Image Using AI on 'My Ugly Duckling'

In the latest episode of SBS's variety show My Ugly Duckling (미운 우리 새끼), aired on February 2, 2025, actor Lee Dong-gun shared a heartfelt moment with his parents as they reminisced about his late brother during a family trip. Lee Dong-gun's brother, who was eight years younger, tragically passed away in 2008 while studying abroad in Australia. The family expressed their longing for him, especially during the holidays, stating, 'We always think of Jun-yeob during this time.'

To honor his brother's memory, Lee Dong-gun took his parents to Hongcheon, the only place they had traveled together as a family. During a meal, he presented them with a mysterious framed picture, saying, 'This is not just a gift for you; it's a gift for me too.' His mother asked, 'Who is this? Is it my son?' while his father remarked, 'Why does this face look so unfamiliar to me?' Lee Dong-gun explained that the image was an AI-generated restoration of what his brother would look like at 37, had he lived past the age of 20.

Additionally, he created a family photo using AI that included all four family members. Reflecting on his brother's dislike for taking pictures, Lee Dong-gun recalled, 'Jun-yeob hated having his photo taken. He had straight hair that was hard to manage, and I remember giving him perms.'

Lee Dong-gun's father shared his regrets about their relationship, admitting, 'I was strict with him, and he really disliked me. He distanced himself during his school years, preferring to play games instead of studying. I even broke a few computers out of frustration.' He expressed a wish that Jun-yeob would have focused on his studies, especially since Lee Dong-gun was pursuing a career in entertainment at the time.

The father revealed, 'For ten years after losing him, I couldn't forget him. I felt immense guilt, thinking it was my fault he was gone. After a decade, I realized I was still holding onto him, and I needed to let go.'

Meanwhile, Lee Dong-gun's mother shared her feelings about moving after 30 years, saying, 'When I heard we were selling the house, my heart sank. Since losing Jun-yeob, my memory has faded significantly. I often forget things, even stories about Hongcheon.' She added, 'Thinking about moving makes me anxious. I told Jun-yeob, 'We're moving. I hope you can find us.'