Lee Hyori’s Childhood Struggles: Couldn’t Afford School Supplies and Had to Collect Discarded Coal Briquettes

The popular JTBC show “Come travel with me, Mom?”follows the adventures of a top star daughter and her mother as they embark on their first-ever trip together. Presented in a road movie format, the program documents the journey of Lee Hyori and her mother, with episodes airing since May.

During the June 9th episode, Lee Hyori emotionally relived her childhood by trying the squid soup her mother used to prepare during their financially difficult times. The soup, made from only one squid, was a reminder of how her mother would do whatever it took to feed their family of six. Her mother openly shared, “With a big family like ours, I had to make the most of our food to ensure everyone was fed.”

After tasting the unfinished squid soup, Lee Hyori broke down in tears. She excused herself to her room to compose herself before facing her mother, but she was unable to stop crying.

Lee Hyori remembered, “In those days, my bowl barely had any squid, perhaps only one or two small pieces?”Her mother expressed her regret, “We were so poor that I always felt guilty for not being able to give enough to my children.”

Her mother also recalled their difficult times, stating, “We had to gather abandoned coal briquettes from others in order to save money on fuel.”

In previous episodes, Lee Hyori and her mother also recounted their past struggles with financial hardship. Lee Hyori recalled asking her mother for a doll, explaining, “When I was a child, dolls were very popular among little girls, but our family couldn’t even afford a meal.”She admitted to feeling envious of her friends, as she was unable to purchase school supplies.

Her mother expressed her remorse, stating, “I feel a great deal of sadness. I was unable to buy you any toys, not even a single doll.”This heartfelt sentiment touched many, and her grown daughter was gifted a doll as a gesture of love.

Despite previously discussing her family’s difficulties, Lee Hyori’s struggles were not widely known. However, she is now openly sharing her painful past with her mother through the show “Come travel with me, Mom?”