Basketball legend Han Gi-bum opens up about sons' autism spectrum diagnosis

Former basketball player Han Gi-bum has drawn sympathy from viewers after opening up about the challenges his family faces regarding his two sons' developmental traits.

A preview for the upcoming broadcast of MBN's 'Scoop World,' released on the 26th, captures the daily lives of Han, his wife, and their two sons. The footage offers a glimpse into the long-standing concerns of the parents and the reality of their caregiving journey.

In the video, Han's wife attempts to teach their second son how to fry an egg. However, the son struggles with every step, from turning on the induction cooktop to pouring oil into the pan. Han watches closely, asking, "Is it going well, son?" while his wife remains by his side, expressing her anxiety: "I am truly worried."

Han revealed the current situation of his two sons, stating, "Both my sons are on the autism spectrum." He further shared the difficulties they face in everyday life, noting, "Even when we go to a restaurant, they cannot sit in their place."

His wife also recalled memories from the past, reminiscing about how her son used to stand thin children's books up one by one. She added, "I watched a movie about autism before, and (my son) was doing the exact same thing."

Overwhelmed by the memories, she could not contain the emotions she had suppressed for so long. "Talking about this suddenly brings back the past," she said, breaking into tears. "The difficult times are just flashing by."

Autism spectrum and developmental traits vary greatly between individuals, manifesting in different challenges regarding social interaction, communication, and sensory or behavioral characteristics. Experts note that rather than diagnosing a condition based on specific behaviors alone, it is vital to understand individual needs through professional evaluation and long-term observation.

The confession from Han's family is significant as it moves beyond personal history to highlight the reality faced by parents raising children with developmental traits. It illustrates how everyday tasks, such as eating or cooking, can require repetitive training and constant assistance from a guardian.

After joining the Kia basketball team in 1986, Han became a prominent figure in Korean basketball, known as a representative tall center. Since his retirement, he has remained a beloved "basketball legend," engaging with the public through various broadcasts and social activities.

This broadcast is expected to shift the focus from Han's glamorous career as a sports star to his daily life as a parent and the burdens he has carried for years. As his wife's emotional reflections are shared, viewers are gaining insight into the perseverance required for the family to understand one another and live together.