Song Sun-mi Remembers Late Husband on Superman Returns

In the latest episode of KBS 2TV's entertainment show Superman Returns (슈퍼맨이 돌아왔다), aired on February 12, 2025, Song Sun-mi opened up about her life as a single mother and her memories of her husband, who passed away eight years ago.

Song Sun-mi, who was married to a film art director, shared that she gave birth to her daughter, Ari, at the age of 42 after nine years of marriage. Tragically, her husband passed away unexpectedly when Ari was just two years old, leaving her to navigate life as a single mother. She described her late husband as a "generous and warm person" and mentioned that she has shared stories about him with Ari, tailoring the narratives to her daughter's age.

To help explain her husband's absence, Song Sun-mi created a storybook with illustrations by Ari, which she described as a way to express her feelings during a painful time. "I was writing about my experiences, and it was during a very sad period for me. Ari drew the pictures when she was around four or five years old," she explained.

Initially, Song Sun-mi struggled to accept her husband's death, feeling as though he might still be working somewhere. However, she believes she has managed to cope healthily through each stage of grief.

She also shared her motivation for participating in Superman Returns, stating, "I want to show that even though being a single mom comes with challenges, it is possible to live joyfully and take charge of my life."

During the episode, Song Sun-mi and Ari looked through wedding photos, leading to a light-hearted moment when Ari teased her mother about her hairstyle, calling it a "triangular rice ball." The mood shifted when Ari spotted her father in the photos, expressing awe at his appearance.

Both mother and daughter expressed their longing for him, with Song Sun-mi tearfully saying, "I miss Dad," and Ari echoing her sentiment. The emotional moment intensified when Song Sun-mi saw a photo of her late father-in-law, leading to tears as she reflected on the love he had for their family.

In the studio, Song Sun-mi shared, "Ari's grandfather passed away recently. He was a loving father-in-law, and even though he didn't express it much, I felt his love deeply. My husband resembled him the most, and seeing his photo brought back those memories."

She concluded with a message of resilience, stating, "I think about what my husband would have liked to see me as, and I believe this is it. I have worked hard to be strong, and both Ari and I have become more resilient. I hope to be remembered as a passionate mother who lived without regrets."

Ari expressed her love for her mother, saying, "You are a very precious and wonderful mom. I’m happy, so thank you for raising me. I love you."