Lee Chan-won's parents refuse to move to a larger house even after his success, saying "It would bring shame to your face"

Singer Lee Chan-won revealed the convictions of his parents, who have not changed their lifestyle even after he achieved success. He shared that even though their son earned a lot of money, they still live in the house they moved into 18 years ago and have not changed their car for a whopping 17 years. Lee Chan-won suggested they move to live more comfortably, but his parents refused, saying it would instead bring shame to his face. The attitude of his parents, who do not link their son's success to their own display or consumption, provided a quiet sense of emotion.

In the 62nd episode of tvN STORY's 'Table Tales' broadcast on the 12th, Lee Chan-won appeared and shared stories about his family and what he has done for his parents after succeeding as a singer. When Lee Young-ja asked, "What was the first thing you did after making money?" Lee Chan-won revealed that he repaid the 1 million won he borrowed from his mother when he participated in TV CHOSUN's 'Mr. Trot', as promised. He went beyond simply returning the borrowed money and expressed his gratitude by repaying more than ten times that amount.

Lee Chan-won also revealed the story behind his first settlement payment. He explained, "I sent the entire amount of my first settlement to my mother's account," adding, "The appearance fees for 'Mr. Trot' were not much. I did other broadcasts, and several months' worth came in all at once." He added that he gave the following month's settlement to his father. This part reveals the heart of a son who wanted to repay his parents first, who had supported him for a long time.

However, his parents' reaction was different from Lee Chan-won's expectations. His mother did not spend the money she received from her son but kept it intact in a separate bank account. Lee Chan-won expressed his regret, saying, "Of course I'm grateful, but it's frustrating. I give it to them to use, so why can't they use it?" While understanding his parents' hearts, who cannot use the money easily since it was earned with difficulty by their child, his desire for his parents to live a bit more comfortably with the money he earned was evident.

His parents' frugality was not limited to the way they spent money. Lee Chan-won stated, "Even now, my mother and father are still living in the house they moved into 18 years ago." When Lee Young-ja asked in the sense that parents of successful children might move to a better house, Lee Chan-won explained that his parents do not want to move at all. Contrary to his wish for them to live in a comfortable environment as they age, his parents chose to maintain their familiar lifestyle.

The reason for refusing to move was also impressive. Lee Chan-won relayed that his parents said, "If we suddenly move and change to a good car just because our son is doing well, it is an act of bringing shame to your face." They believe it is not desirable for parents to suddenly raise their standard of living just because their child has succeeded. Their strict principles of life are visible in the attitude of not using their child's achievement as a means to flaunt their social status or wealth.

The car is also an example that shows his parents' frugal nature. It was reported that Lee Chan-won's father has driven the same car for a whopping 17 years and has been driving a manual transmission vehicle. Lee Chan-won revealed that he eventually changed his father's car at the end of last year. Even in the situation where his parents refuse to move, he managed to bring about change in areas where safety and convenience are needed. His heart, persuading them to willingly spend money where necessary rather than unconditionally reducing consumption, is also readable.

Upon hearing the story, Lee Young-ja expressed sympathy, saying that changing his father's car was a good thing to do. She went on to admire him, saying it seems thanks to his parents' family education that Lee Chan-won maintains a consistent and humble appearance even after gaining great popularity. While stories of a star's success are often focused on flashy consumption or changed living standards, Lee Chan-won's story draws attention from the exact opposite direction.

Parents who cannot easily spend the money their child earns and do not try to change the outward appearance of their lives just because their son became famous. To Lee Chan-won, his parents' frugality sometimes feels frustrating, but within it lies a clear principle of not regarding their child's success as their own. As Lee Chan-won's desire to gift his parents a better life intersects with his parents' desire not to burden their child, it reminded everyone that love between family members is not about how much money is spent, but about how they treat each other.

Read the original (Korean)