Culinary researcher Lee Hye-jung. [Instagram capture]
Culinary researcher Lee Hye-jung. [Instagram capture]

Culinary researcher Lee Hye-jung, known as "Big Mama," teared up while reflecting on her estranged son.

On Wednesday, a video was posted to the YouTube channel "Big Mama Lee Hye-jung" showing Lee sharing drinks and conversation with former baseball player Yoo Hee-kwan and broadcaster Jang Hyo-yun.

During the gathering, Lee said her perspective on life had shifted with age. "I realize we are not growing old but ripening," she said. "As you get older, you gain wisdom about life."

She then reflected on the past, saying, "If I had thought this way back then, I think I would not have had conflicts with my husband and children."

When Jang asked what moment she thought she would regret most in the future, Lee replied, "The conflict with my son is a very big thing for me," and began to cry.

"My son is cheerful, like Hee-kwan," Lee said, unable to hide her hurt. "But he changed after he got married." She added, "Someday there will be a day we make up," revealing her longing for her son.

Lee had earlier spoken publicly about the rift with her son in December last year, when she appeared on MBN's entertainment program "Sokpuri Show Dongchimi."

She said the conflict arose while the two were working together on a K-food exports project, specifically over how to entertain Japanese buyers. After a deal was finalized, Lee wanted to treat the buyers to a meal and drinks, but her son objected, calling it excessive hospitality. The argument escalated into an emotional confrontation, and Lee confessed she ultimately grabbed her son by the collar.

She said she told her son at the time, "Do not appear before me even as a speck of dust until I die," declaring a complete break. She also revealed she had installed additional security cameras at her home and changed the locks, shocking those around her.

Lee later announced through a YouTube video in March this year that she and her son had reconciled, but added, "There is still a little something in my heart," hinting at lingering complicated feelings.


betterj@heraldcorp.com