SHINee’s Key has been continuously expressing his deep love and admiration for his mother through television appearances. Following his touching tribute on “I Live Alone,” where he planned a special tour for her in Japan, he is now set to appear alongside her on tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block” on February 12.
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A Nostalgic Journey on “You Quiz on the Block”
On February 9, tvN released a preview for “You Quiz on the Block” featuring Key and his mother, Kim Sun Hee. In the teaser, Key arrives arm-in-arm with her as host Yoo Jae Suk warmly introduces them.
Key’s mother recently retired after 36 years as a head nurse, and his presence on her last day touched many. During the episode, he expressed deep respect for her hard work, while Yoo Jae Suk was amazed by the detailed parenting journal she kept since Key’s birth.
Explaining why she maintained the journal, Kim Sun Hee said, “I wanted him to look back at how adorable and loved he was, so he could find strength whenever he needed it.”
Key also opened up about his struggles, admitting he once felt invisible despite SHINee’s success. His mother then surprised everyone by revealing he had faced a life-threatening situation at five.
During the interview, Jo Se Ho asked, “Your father was always around during those times too, right? Doesn’t he feel left out?” Key laughed and replied, “People often misunderstand,” before sharing text messages exchanged with his father.
Later, Key entertained viewers by dancing to “Ring Ding Dong” for the first time on TV, earning cheers from Yoo Jae Suk. He wrapped up the interview with a heartfelt remark, “Even if I lose everything, I know I have my family to go back to.”
With back-to-back appearances, Key continues to showcase his deep bond with his mother, touching fans with their loving relationship.
A Special Filial Piety Tour on “I Live Alone”
On the December 16, 2024 episode of MBC’s “I Live Alone,” Key’s heartwarming “Kibum Tour – Filial Piety Tour” with his mother was revealed. After wrapping up his solo concert in Yokohama, Tokyo, he took her on a sightseeing trip to Hakone, carefully planning every detail to make the experience meaningful for her.
One of the reasons Key prepared for the tour was that his mother was recently promoted to the head of the nursing department. Key showed respect and affection for his mother, saying, “She has been doing this job for 35 years. She is my mentor who personally taught me about sincerity.”
Key, who described himself as a “son with good value for money”, took his mother to a place that his mother would like. With his fluent Japanese, he carefully took care of his mother and organized the “Kibum Tour”. Key even prepared a travel course from A to Z customized for his mother.
After a long day, Key and his mother had a simple dinner at the inn. Key was moved by his mother, who cherished the 500 won ring that his son gave her as a child. His mother took out the diary she brought with her from Korea and recalled memories with her son. The anecdote of Key, who has had a pretty heart since elementary school, will be told by his mother, raising expectations for tonight’s broadcast.
Key also threw a surprise party for his mother. He prepared paper banners that read “Congratulations on the promotion of my mother, whom I respect the most in the world” and “I am proud of my star.” He prepared gifts as well.
Key’s mother smiled at the surprise party prepared by her son and said, “Thank you for growing up well, my son.”