In episode 470 of KBS’ ‘Companion’, which airs at 6 pm today (16th), ’23, Jongbin’s Youth’ will be broadcast.
Twenty-year-old Jongbin never goes a day without running from morning to evening. He is taking on the role of head of the household in place of his sick father. Jongbin says there is nothing he hasn’t done to make a living, from a part-time flyer job he started in high school to a side job, factory work, and logistics loading and unloading. Even now, I hand out flyers in the morning, and in the afternoon, I work as a server at a restaurant and work part-time at a convenience store. Jongbin’s father, Yongmin, was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma, a cancerous form of bone cancer, when Jongbin was in his first year of high school. Due to surgery to remove the pelvis, I have to use crutches, and there are many days when I visit the hospital due to pain due to the aftereffects of the surgery. A father who only feels sorry when he sees his two sons trying to earn money in place of their sick father. I had accumulated loan debt since high school because there was no one to support me due to my father’s illness. Seeing the increasingly difficult situation, Jongbin and his younger brother Jongpyeong had no choice but to jump into the daily life front at an early age. Jongbin, who quit the university he had been struggling to get into after one year and started working, and Jongpyeong, 20, who got a job at a factory as soon as he graduated from high school. Today, the two brothers are busy spending their days caring for their families.
![[동행] ‘Twenty-three, Jongbin’s youth’ – Queen Economy Queen](https://www.queen.co.kr/news/photo/202411/422335_163851_3016.jpg "[동행] ‘Twenty-three, Jongbin’s youth’ – Queen Economy Queen")
The youngest, Jonghyun, is in the 6th grade of elementary school. Jonghyun, who was unable to speak properly until the age of five and showed a different side from other children his age, was eventually diagnosed with autism at the age of seven. Since there are still many areas that require the help of a guardian, Jonghyun’s mother, Hyun-kyung, always stays by Jong-hyun’s side by going back and forth between school and the treatment room every day. The family went through a difficult time both physically and mentally as their father suffered from cancer and Jonghyun was diagnosed with a disability in the same year. a red flag also turned on for my mother’s health. My mom has been having frequent nosebleeds recently and often gets angry or dazed. After visiting the hospital, I was diagnosed with depression and have been taking medication for two months. My mom has been experiencing a lot of forgetfulness lately. This is also the reason why it is difficult for Jongbin to find a regular job. From the sick father to the youngest son and mother. Because they never know what might happen, they say they are always looking for part-time jobs close to home. Jongbin is worried about his family and livelihood, so he never feels at ease.
A narrow single room measuring about 7 pyeong for a family of five. It has already been over 20 years since the family of five stayed here. I promised myself that I should earn a little more and make at least a room for the children, but with my father’s battle with cancer and my youngest child being diagnosed with a disability, my living debt kept increasing, and various hardships piled up, so it was urgent to get through each day. It would be easy to air your complaints in a room with no personal space or privacy. Children who have never said anything they disliked. Jongbin did not blame his parents even when he had to drop out of college, which he had only wanted to do, because he could no longer work part-time and study at the same time. Jongbin says that right now, the priority is for the family to work together to improve their situation even a little. Fortunately, the brothers have started working, and the mother has been working side jobs to help with household expenses while taking care of Jonghyun. It is said that only last year, she is gradually repaying the loans she borrowed here and there. However, the second child, Jongpyeong, has to go to the military next year. Jongbin’s shoulders became heavy again.
KBS1TV’s ’Companion’ is a program that reflects on how big a role one person’s small interest can play in the amazing changes brought about by the warmth of the community in our society.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Kyeong-eun Photo KBS1TV ‘Companion’
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What are some common emotional challenges faced by youth who become caregivers for their families?
Interview: Understanding the Struggles of Youth in Crisis
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special edition of our interview series. Today, we have an insightful discussion lined up regarding the challenges faced by young individuals in families grappling with health and financial crises. Joining us is Social Worker and Youth Advocate, Dr. Mina Han, who has dedicated her career to supporting families in tough situations.
Dr. Mina Han: Thank you for having me. I’m glad to be here to shed light on issues that often go unnoticed.
Editor: Let’s dive right into it. The recent KBS episode titled “23, Jongbin’s Youth” highlights a young man named Jongbin who has taken on the role of head of the household at such a young age, due to his father’s illness. What are your thoughts on the impact this kind of responsibility can have on youth?
Dr. Han: It’s truly heartbreaking, yet unfortunately common. Jongbin’s story illustrates how youth can be thrust into adult roles when circumstances force them to. Such a heavy burden can impact their mental health, identity, and even prospects for the future. The pressure to support a family at a young age can lead to anxiety and depression.
Editor: In the episode, Jongbin’s father was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma, which has a profound effect on the family dynamics. How can illness in a parent affect the child’s well-being?
Dr. Han: Illness in a parent not only creates emotional distress but also practical difficulties, like financial instability. As Jongbin experiences, the combined responsibility of caregiving and earning can lead to overwhelming stress. Children in these situations often struggle with feelings of helplessness and guilt—guilt over not being able to do enough to help their families.
Editor: Jongbin also mentions that he and his younger brother, Jongpyeong, have had to forgo their educational ambitions to take on jobs. What does this suggest about the educational system’s support for at-risk youth?
Dr. Han: It’s a significant concern. The educational system must adapt to recognize and support these at-risk youths. Programs that provide flexible learning options and financial support can make a difference. The society needs to ensure that individuals like Jongbin don’t have to sacrifice their education for survival. This is not just a family issue; it becomes a societal problem when our youth can’t reach their potential due to circumstances beyond their control.
Editor: Jonghyun, the youngest brother, faces his own challenges with autism, and their mother is experiencing mental health issues as well. How do these layers of struggle compound the family’s situation?
Dr. Han: It’s critical to understand that each layer of struggle amplifies the others. Jonghyun’s needs require supervision and care, which can strain the family’s resources even more. The mother’s mental health is also a priority—when one family member is unwell, it creates a ripple effect. Jongbin not only has to manage day-to-day survival; he has to navigate complex emotions around his family members’ health, leading to feelings of isolation and burdensome responsibility.
Editor: The episode showcases the dire living conditions, with the family residing in a cramped space. How does physical environment affect mental well-being in such stressful situations?
Dr. Han: A crowded and unstable living environment can intensify feelings of anxiety and stress. Space is crucial for mental clarity and calm. When a family is physically confined, it can limit their capacity to cope with stressors. Creating safe, serene, and supportive spaces is essential for mental health, especially for children and teenagers who require their own space to grow and process their emotions.
Editor: Lastly, what are some actionable ways that society can support youths like Jongbin?
Dr. Han: There are several approaches we can take. First, we need community programs that provide financial assistance and mental health support for families in crisis. Secondly, mentorship programs connecting youth to career counseling can help them explore future options without sacrificing their current responsibilities. Lastly, increasing awareness and training for teachers and educators to recognize signs of distress in students can help them get early interventions and support.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Han. Your insights today will help us better understand the profound challenges faced by individuals like Jongbin and the need for communal support.
Dr. Han: Thank you for bringing attention to these vital issues. It’s our collective responsibility to advocate for better futures for our youth.