Modern-Day Abandonment: The Shocking Story of a Veteran Actor's Neglect of His Mother
In a recent episode of SBS's 'Curious Story Y' aired on January 17, 2025, a distressing tale unfolded about an elderly woman, referred to as 최순남 (Choi Soon-nam), who was left in a nursing home on the brink of closure. The facility, struggling financially, was unable to assist residents in relocating, particularly Choi, whose family had lost contact with her. With over a year of unpaid nursing fees amounting to approximately 13.3 million won, her situation has drawn parallels to the historical practice of 고려장 (Goryeo Jang), a form of abandonment.
What adds to the shock is that Choi's son is a well-known actor who debuted as a talent in the early 1980s. He has appeared in numerous films and television dramas, yet he has seemingly severed ties with his mother, leaving her in this dire situation. The production team sought to uncover why this actor, who has enjoyed a successful career, would abandon his elderly mother.
Upon discovering his identity, the crew visited his home but found it deserted. Local shopkeepers reported that Choi had always been searching for her son, even when he lived with her. Choi had been writing down a series of numbers in the nursing home, which turned out to be her son's phone number. In her fading memory, she was trying to keep track of how to reach him. The nursing home director expressed sadness over her situation, noting that she often charged her phone fully, waiting for a call that never came.
The actor, who gained fame for his roles in historical dramas, later transitioned into business. Friends mentioned that while he initially found success, he now appears to be burdened with significant debt, having started a health supplement company. However, the company confirmed that he had not been involved for some time.
Adding to the complexity, the last known location from his phone was in Korea, not the United States, which raised further concerns. It was revealed that Choi's pension payments were likely being funneled to her son, leaving her without state protection due to her financial situation.
The production team connected Choi with a senior protection agency, as her case was viewed as one of neglect. During this time, her son finally reached out, explaining that he could not visit due to debts and citing his struggles with panic disorder and depression, promising to repay his obligations monthly.
The senior protection agency is now working to reissue Choi's bank card so she can receive her pension, and they plan to refer the case for police investigation regarding potential abuse.
