Lee Geon-joo Reunites with Mother After 44 Years on 'Dad, Where Are You Going?'

In a heartfelt episode of TV Chosun's 'Dad, Where Are You Going?' aired on April 15, 2025, Lee Geon-joo experienced an emotional reunion with his mother after nearly 44 years apart. Upon arriving at a restaurant, he greeted his stepfather, who played a significant role in guiding him on his path as a shaman.

During the episode, Lee shared his family's hidden history, revealing that he has been estranged from his father for a decade and has never known his mother’s name or face, which drew sympathy from viewers. He recounted a missed opportunity to meet his mother 15 years ago during a morning show, where she had been watching him from a distance, but he felt unprepared for the encounter at that time.

Now, having changed his mind, Lee was left with only a childhood name remembered by his aunt as a clue to his mother’s identity, which turned out to be a pseudonym. Expressing his regret for knowing her alias, he became emotional, realizing it was actually his mother’s childhood name.

In search of answers, Lee discovered that the production team from 15 years ago had no remaining information, leading him to visit a local government office to obtain a family relationship certificate. Nervously holding the document, he was shocked to learn his mother’s real name for the first time in 44 years.

He also found out that he has half-siblings with different surnames due to his mother’s remarriage, and his name was listed among the family members. This revelation left him feeling confused and uncertain about how to proceed with finding his mother.

As he arrived at the address listed on the document, anticipation built around whether he would finally reunite with his mother. In a touching moment, she appeared, tearfully calling out to him, and they embraced, expressing how much they had missed each other.