In an emotional episode of Ask Us Anything: Fortune Teller that aired on August 4, a 40-year-old Korean-American pilot moved viewers with his deeply personal story of coming out, experiencing religious and social rejection, and ultimately finding reconciliation and peace through family support and a renewed love for Korean culture.
The guest, who immigrated to Canada during high school and now resides in the U.S. as a dual citizen, began his story by recounting a traumatic adolescence marked by bullying and isolation.
“I was often beaten and mocked for being effeminate. I had no friends,” he said. “When students teased my friend by calling him my boyfriend, I asked to be sent abroad. I didn’t think I could live well in Korea.”
After immigrating, he admitted to erasing all traces of his Korean identity — throwing away yearbooks, music tapes, and even avoiding fellow Koreans. But his struggles didn’t end overseas.
“After coming out, I was kicked out of my church in Canada,” he shared. “I just want to live as myself — there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Though he kept his identity secret from his parents for years, he eventually came out — a decision he made in his late 30s, even at the risk of being disowned.
“There was yelling and crying. But last year, they joined me at the Seoul Queer Parade and met other parents of LGBTQ+ children. That changed everything,” he said. “They finally understood. Now we talk more. It brought me peace.”
Co-host Seo Jang-hoon was visibly moved, stating: “Parents are often the hardest wall to break through — and you did it.” The pilot also shared an unexpected source of healing — K-pop. “I was searching YouTube for a hair dye tutorial when an old Korean song popped up. I didn’t want to watch at first… but then I started crying.”
Hosts Lee Soo-geun and Seo Jang-hoon offered heartfelt support: “Your happiness is your parents’ happiness, too,” said Lee. “You didn’t choose this, and yet you suffered so much,” Seo added. “If you can ease your heart a little, embracing Korea again might come more naturally.”
In a final note, the guest shared that his photos have been misused in romance scams, urging viewers not to be deceived by imposters. “That person isn’t me,” he said clearly. The episode closed with Seo’s public message: “Don’t be fooled by impersonators.”
Ask Us Anything: Fortune Teller airs Mondays at 8:30 p.m. KST on KBS Joy, with additional access via LG U+tv, Genie tv, SK Btv, the mobile app ‘my K’, and regional cable networks listed on the KBS N website.
Sources: nate
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