Struggles of a Reclusive Teen Highlighted on 'My Precious Child'

In the latest episode of Channel A's 'My Precious Child' (금쪽같은 내 새끼), a reclusive teenager named 금쪽이 faced intense crises and conflicts. Despite the challenges, psychologist 오은영 remained committed to helping him.

The episode aired on January 3, 2025, showcasing 금쪽이, who was once a model student in his childhood but has now become a withdrawn individual, refusing to leave his room for four months. This drastic change has led to a potential risk of failing his school year.

As 금쪽이 hid under his blanket, host 신애라 expressed her surprise, noting it was the first time his face had been revealed. 오은영 emphasized the seriousness of his situation, stating that his isolation during this critical transitional phase from childhood to adolescence is a significant concern that requires urgent attention.

The episode delved into 금쪽이’s daily life, revealing a complete reversal of his day-night cycle. 오은영 pointed out that the external stimuli seem overwhelming for him, suggesting that this could be a precursor to mental health issues commonly seen in teenagers and young adults.

In an attempt to reach out, his mother cautiously tried to wake him, but 금쪽이 reacted violently, kicking her and even pulling her hair, leading to a chaotic scene that left everyone feeling as if they were watching a horror movie. The production team had to intervene to de-escalate the situation.

As tensions escalated, 금쪽이 began to self-harm, prompting his father to share that they had tried various approaches, including pleading and physical confrontation, but with little success. 오은영 reiterated the urgency of the situation, stressing that the violence directed at his mother must be addressed, regardless of the underlying issues.

During the episode, 금쪽이’s mother invited an old friend over, which led to a revealing moment where 금쪽이 expressed his feelings of isolation, stating he hadn’t met a peer in two years since transferring schools. He also shared his traumatic experiences in a mental health facility, which his parents explained was a necessary step due to his refusal to attend school.

His mother recounted that while he had attempted to leave the hospital early, a minimum three-month treatment period was essential for effective healing. However, after a holiday break, he reverted to his reclusive behavior. 오은영 cautioned that if the child expressed discomfort, premature hospitalization could lead to resistance to treatment and increased distrust towards his parents.

In a moment of vulnerability, 금쪽이 opened up to the production team, describing himself as a 'monster' to his family, revealing deep self-hatred. When asked what he wanted to tell his parents, he tearfully confessed that they should not give up on him and expressed a desire to be loved by them. This heartfelt moment moved everyone present, including 오은영, who emphasized the importance of perseverance in their efforts to support him.