In a revealing interview, renowned dermatologist Ham Ik-byeong shared his challenging childhood experiences growing up in poverty. During the recent episode of the TV Chosun show 'Dad and Me', he appeared alongside his wife, Kang Mi-hyeong, and daughter, Ham Eun-young. Kang Mi-hyeong expressed her comfort in the family setting, stating it feels as secure as home, especially during tough times.
She noted that while her husband expresses strong opinions, it sometimes leads to misunderstandings, especially regarding his reluctance to donate a kidney. Furthermore, she commented on Ham Ik-byeong's busy lifestyle, likening him to a "dog with its tail on fire" and suggesting he lacks productive rest. Ham Ik-byeong responded by emphasizing that enjoying life is something he believes is meant for future generations, stating that even if he had more leisure time, his approach to life would not change.
Ham Ik-byeong rarely takes vacations and instead focuses on work. His daughter, Ham Eun-young, reminisced about a family trip to Jeju Island, where her father insisted she memorize explanations about the sights, resulting in some frustration. Kang Mi-hyeong added that it was understandable for young children to struggle with such expectations, though she still finds her husband’s strictness puzzling.
Reflecting on his own upbringing, Ham Ik-byeong revealed that his father was a high school teacher who supported a family of ten, while his mother contributed by running a small business. He recalled frequent discussions about lack of money and his father's stress leading to explosive outbursts at the dinner table. This upbringing shaped his belief that it is a family leader's role to minimize financial worries at home.
As he grows older, Ham Ik-byeong finds these memories increasingly poignant. He shared that he believes addressing financial struggles is critical to fulfilling his responsibilities as a father. This dedication to providing for his family reflects the deep impact of his early life experiences.