Lee Kyung-sil: Why I visited Everland with my ex-husband

Broadcaster Lee Kyung-sil has finally opened up about the circumstances surrounding her divorce, a story she had kept to herself for 23 years.

She addressed the public misunderstanding that arose when she visited an amusement park with her ex-husband shortly after her divorce. While it was difficult to explain herself at the time, Lee belatedly revealed her true motive: "As a mother, I wanted to leave good memories for my children.'

The first video of the YouTube channel 'Our Mom Lee Kyung-sil,' scheduled for release on the 30th, captures a trip to Danyang taken by Lee and her daughter, Son Su-a.

While discussing the trip in the car, Lee said, "I want to go to Everland sometime later. We went when we were young and haven't gone since, right?"

Son Su-a recalled childhood memories, responding, "That sounds great. I love churros."

However, Everland was more than just an amusement park to Lee; it was a place entangled with the wounds and misunderstandings left by her 2003 divorce.

At the time, Lee had ended her marriage during an era when social perception regarding divorced female celebrities was far stricter than it is today. Social prejudice was so intense that the mere fact of a divorce could impact a performer's public standing and broadcasting career.

In the midst of this, Lee drew significant attention in 2004 when it was revealed that she had visited Everland with her ex-husband.

Some critics at the time questioned, "Why would a divorced person go there with her ex-husband?"

Now, 23 years later, Lee has honestly confessed the reason behind her actions.

"I went once after the divorce. I haven't gone since."

Recalling the situation, she noted, "When the news broke, my grandmother was furious, asking why I met him."

She continued, "I went thinking of you all."

It was not an attempt to reconcile with her ex-husband, but rather a mother's choice to provide her young children with warm memories of being with both parents.

For Lee, her role as a parent to her children was far more important than the social stigma of being a "divorced couple."

She even promised a future visit to Everland with her daughter, saying, "Let's go together with Lee Hun-i (grandson)."

The content goes beyond a simple mother-daughter travel vlog, capturing family stories and the meaning of relationships that could only be shared after much time had passed.

'Our Mom Lee Kyung-sil' features the daily life of Lee through the eyes of Son Su-a. The channel aims to show the side of Lee as a mother hidden behind her strong television persona, offering sincere conversations through travel, hobbies, and various experiences.

Lee, who debuted after winning the gold prize at the 1st MBC Gag Contest in 1987, has long been beloved as a leading comedian in Korean variety history. Recently, she has been operating the YouTube channel 'Shin-Yeoseong' with Jo Hye Ryun and performing in the play 'I Love You, Mom.'

Son, who is active as an actress, is also expanding her career across dramas, films, and theater.

What was a choice for which there was little room for explanation 23 years ago has been reframed. After all this time, Lee has retold that day at Everland not as a "place of controversy," but as a "memory for the children."