However, there’s a star nearing 40 who still lives with his mother. There’s a reason why he insists on staying close to her.
Actor Ji Chang-wook, who gained significant attention early in his career through dramas like “My Too Perfect Sons” and “Empress Ki”, rose to stardom with the drama “Healer”. His popularity extended beyond Korea, earning him a massive fanbase in China and making him a beloved figure across the continent.
A Devoted Son
Despite his success across Asia, Ji Chang-wook faced similar struggles in his youth, dealing with academic stress, financial worries and career uncertainties. Raised by a single mother after losing his father at a young age, he experienced a challenging childhood marked by financial hardship.
Ji Chang-wook helped his mother, who ran a small neighborhood restaurant, by serving customers, cleaning grill plates and scrubbing fish tanks. These early experiences taught him the harsh realities of life from a young age.
Financial constraints made it difficult for him to afford school, so he took on various part-time jobs, including working in cafes, makgeolli bars, and as a delivery worker. He grew up with a determination not to let his mother suffer and to ensure she never had to worry about money. He also resolved to stand by her side, taking on the role of both a son and a protector.
Reflecting on his childhood, he once said, “When I was smaller than my mother, I held her hand as we walked through a shabby alley at night, and I thought I needed to grow up quickly to protect her.“
“My Mother Is My Driving Force”
Ji Chang-wook described how, despite the early challenges he faced, he was able to overcome his constant feelings of sadness thanks to his mother’s love. Now approaching 40, he has never lived alone and still resides with his mother. He said “We have a relationship that’s more like friends. Rather than buying my mother nice things, I believe spending time together is what matters most. I try to have dinner with her as often as possible“, showcasing his filial devotion.
However, when asked about his reputation as one of the entertainment industry’s most dutiful sons, he modestly said, “I think I’m doing well, but my mom might not see it that way. I don’t know why there are so many great children around her. They go on trips and family vacations every year.”
A Beneficial Living Arrangement
Living with his mother has benefited not just her but also him. Having lived with his mother all his life, Ji Chang-wook said that living together contributes positively to his mental health.
He shared his thoughts on independence, “I think my mother would feel lonely if I left her to live alone.” He explained, “After a day of filming, I find healing in returning home to my mother living a normal life. Seeing her watching TV in the living room, sleeping or doing laundry helps me relax. If I had spent my time alone in a dark room without those moments, I think I would have felt even more lost.“
Ji Chang-wook has also kept the promise he made to his mother when he was young, to ensure she never had to worry about money. It was revealed some time ago that he earns over 300 million won per episode, and with his earnings, he has paid off the family’s debts and bought a house for his mother.
Upon hearing this story, netizens commented, “He looked so refined, I thought he was from a wealthy family, but he and his mother have gone through a lot“, “I hope you continue to live happily with your mother” and “He matured early and has such a beautiful heart. What a lovely son.”
Source: Daum
