Geumjok yearned for love from her mother.
On the 27th, during the broadcast of Channel A's "Recent Parenting - My Precious Child," the struggles of 4-year-old Geumjok, who was subjected to verbal abuse and emotional neglect from her mother, were revealed, shocking viewers. Throughout the show, Geumjok expressed her heartfelt desire to be loved, shedding tears.
4-Year-Old Geumjok, Heartbroken by Her Mother's Verbal Abuse
In the broadcast, Geumjok's mother, while teaching her Hangul, bluntly said, “If you’re going to live like a fool, get out. I won’t raise you.” When Geumjok resisted, she even hit her arm with a colored pencil, inciting anger among viewers. Geumjok confessed her painful feelings about her mother’s verbal abuse and neglectful attitude, saying, “I really hate my mom. Every time she gets angry, I want to cry and run away,” which added to the viewers' sympathy.
At the moment Geumjok revealed her true feelings, she asked, “What am I supposed to do?” which silenced those around her. However, her next words brought everyone to tears. Holding back her sobs, Geumjok sincerely said, “Mom, please love me. I’m really struggling.”
Dr. Oh Eun-young's Warning: “This is Emotional Abuse”
Dr. Oh Eun-young issued a strong warning regarding the situation. She defined Geumjok's mother’s behavior as “emotional abuse,” stating firmly, “If this abusive behavior continues, we will have no choice but to report it.” She emphasized that the mother’s attitude of treating the child as “worthless” must be improved and urged her to change in a way that enhances the child’s self-esteem.
Additionally, Dr. Oh pointed out that the trust between Geumjok and her mother had already been shattered, emphasizing, “A child must perceive their parents as a safe figure. Otherwise, the child’s emotional development cannot be complete.” After the broadcast, viewers expressed deep agreement with Dr. Oh’s cold analysis and strong statements.
At the end of the broadcast, the mother sincerely apologized to Geumjok and promised to change. She began to show gradual changes by roller skating with Geumjok, laughing together, and encouraging her by helping her up whenever she fell. She also attempted to reconcile with her mother-in-law, with whom she had deep conflicts, making efforts to improve family relationships.
Viewers sent messages of support for Geumjok's family taking the first step towards change. Reactions included, “It makes me rethink the seriousness of child abuse,” “I felt so sorry for Geumjok’s true feelings,” and “I hope for the mother’s sincere change.”
The words of 4-year-old Geumjok left a significant impact on many. Her cry of “Please love me” transcended a simple child’s wish, shedding light on the seriousness of domestic violence and emotional abuse, awakening awareness in many. It remains to be seen what changes Geumjok's family will undergo in the future.
[Kim Seung-hye, MK Sports Reporter]
