Singer Kim Junsu shared a deeply personal story about his childhood during a recent appearance on SBS’s popular variety show My Little Old Boy, revealing the hardships that shaped his outlook on life and his strong attachment to having a proper home.
On the January 18 broadcast, Kim Junsu appeared as a guest and introduced viewers to his current residence, drawing attention for its elegant interior and luxurious atmosphere. Host Shin Dong-yeob then asked about his well-known emphasis on housing, noting that Junsu had once lived in extremely difficult conditions during his youth.
“Looking Back, Life Was Really Hard”
Kim Junsu reflected honestly on his past, explaining that his family had once lived in a semi-basement home similar to the one depicted in the film Parasite. However, he emphasized that their living situation was even more limited.
“Our place didn’t even have separate rooms or a proper layout,” he said. “It was just a single small room. There wasn’t even a bathroom.”
He went on to describe how the family managed without basic facilities. “We had to use the kitchen sink when we needed to go to the bathroom and lay newspapers on the floor,” he recalled. “The kitchen wasn’t even inside the room — it felt like stepping outside every time.”
Looking back, Kim Junsu admitted that it barely felt like a real home. “Sometimes I wonder if it was even a house at all. It felt more like a storage room that someone tried to turn into a living space,” he said. “That experience stayed with me and became the reason I promised myself I would one day live in a good home.”
First Gift After Debut: A Home for His Parents
Kim Junsu also shared how those memories influenced his priorities after debuting as a singer. Because he spent most of his early career living in group dormitories, he decided that the first major gift he wanted to give was not for himself, but for his family.
“Instead of buying something for me, I bought my parents a house first,” he said.
The panel and mothers on the show reacted warmly, praising him for his filial devotion and applauding his thoughtfulness.
A Story of Perseverance
Kim Junsu’s candid confession offered viewers a rare glimpse into the struggles behind his success, highlighting how perseverance and family values played a key role in shaping both his career and personal goals.
From a tiny basement room without basic facilities to a successful life built through dedication, Kim Junsu’s story resonated with many as a powerful reminder of how far determination can take someone.