[SPOTV News reporter Kim Won-gyeom] On KBS1's Human Theater, Miss Kim opened up about the people who shaped her path — from the aunt who inspired her to sing to the nephew who’s become her No. 1 fan.
The episode on the 10th — the second part of "Ttangkkeut Village, Miss Kim" — followed her as she visited the village hall, greeting residents and handing out snacks.
Local elders showered her with praise, noting that she stood out and was beautiful even as a child and that “you could do anything.” One woman, however, grew visibly emotional and began to cry; she turned out to be Miss Kim’s aunt, who had worked as a local singer when Miss Kim was young.
“Watching my aunt on stage was so cool that I begged to go up and perform,” Miss Kim recalled. “I even joined her on volunteer visits to sing at nursing homes. She was the first person who made me dream of being a singer.” Her aunt clasped her hand and advised, “You need abdominal strength to sing, so don’t obsess over losing too much weight,” prompting Miss Kim to beam.
She then visited an uncle and his wife who had cared for Miss Kim and her siblings like their own while their parents traveled the country beekeeping. They welcomed her with a celebratory spread. As the gathering picked up, the uncle and Miss Kim’s father brought out a karaoke machine, getting everyone singing — a clear sign that performance runs in the family.
Her nephews declared, “All my classmates and teachers are Auntie’s fans,” and led an enthusiastic rendition of the family anthem, "Dwel-nom" (roughly, “One Who’ll Make It”). The song, sung so often at home, had become a rallying cry. Miss Kim embraced the role of cheerleader, and the evening grew more spirited.
During busy sowing season, Miss Kim pitched in, as she has since elementary school. Yet she has endured hard times. Her brother recalled, “When I was in the military, Mom was sick and Chaerin had a hard time.” Miss Kim added, “I had to care for Mom and work the cabbage fields with Dad from dawn. I missed my brother a lot then.”
When it came time for her to leave, the family felt the ache of parting. “When you said you’d stay a few days and then leave, it made me oddly sad,” her father said. “If you’d been born in the city, we probably wouldn’t have to say goodbye like this so often.” Her mother added, “At home she can be childlike, but in Seoul she’s responsible. Sending her off always leaves a bittersweet feeling.”
Back in Seoul, fans were first to greet Miss Kim. Still a little stunned by the attention, she showed gratitude and warmth. But as she prepared for an appearance on Gayo Stage — the dream stage she used to watch with her parents — the program hinted at an unexpected issue. Viewers were left wondering whether Miss Kim would be able to perform without a hitch in the next episode.
