Lee Ji-yeong, drinking makgeolli with mother-in-law: “Unnie, I love you”

Dentist Lee Ji-yeong revealed a story from her past where she was offered marriage by wealthy families who promised to even set up a hospital for her. Although marriage proposals flooded in with economic support at the forefront, she chose a life of loving her work over money. Additionally, she shared a special story about drinking makgeolli with her mother-in-law and calling her "Unnie," bringing laughter with their extraordinary mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship.

Lee Ji-yeong appeared on the MBN entertainment program 'Heart-to-Heart Show Dongchimi' broadcast on the 10th, where she opened up about her marriage and her in-laws. The theme of this broadcast was 'The doctor daughter-in-law who calls her mother-in-law Unnie.' She drew viewers' attention by candidly revealing everything from her process of living as a professional woman to meeting her husband and her pleasant daily life with her mother-in-law.

Lee Ji-yeong stated that because she has the profession of a dentist, she received many marriage proposals from wealthy families in the past. She said, "In my case, I am a doctor daughter-in-law. Many marriage proposals came from wealthy families." However, not all proposals were to her liking just because they were from economically well-off families.

In particular, what remained memorable was the attitude of those who proposed marriage while promising to set up a hospital for her. Lee Ji-yeong recalled, "Some of them would flaunt their money and say, 'We'll set up a hospital for you, so just come with your body. Don't think about running a hospital, just come with your body.'" She explained that although these were words promising economic support, they were proposals that did not consider the profession and lifestyle she actually values. She emphasized, "Because I love my work, I wanted to work hard."

Lee Ji-yeong, who chose a life of continuing her work rather than marriage proposals that put money and conditions first, met her current husband at the age of 42. As her marriage was delayed, her mother-in-law's joy is said to have been great. Lee Ji-yeong shared an anecdote where her mother-in-law told her son, "It is the best thing you have done in your entire life," noting that the mother-in-law was very happy because she met her late. This part offers a glimpse into how special the mother-in-law's affection for her daughter-in-law is.

The reason their relationship is even more special lies in the comfort of not being bound by formality. Lee Ji-yeong revealed that although neither she nor her mother-in-law are particularly heavy drinkers, they occasionally drink makgeolli together. She made the studio erupt in laughter by saying, "When I drink, my tension goes up, so everyone under 100 years old is Unnie or Oppa." She playfully explained her personality of mingling with anyone like a friend during drinking sessions rather than strictly distinguishing titles based on age and relationship.

Even on the day they were drinking makgeolli, compliments were exchanged between the two. When Lee Ji-yeong said to her mother-in-law, "Mother, you are so pretty. I think you must have been a great beauty in your youth," the mother-in-law responded, "My daughter-in-law is also so pretty." Lee Ji-yeong even complimented her mother-in-law's good skin, saying, "If the two of us went out together, people would believe we are sisters." Through the naturally flowing compliments, the relationship of the two who cherish each other was revealed.

As the atmosphere matured, Lee Ji-yeong asked her mother-in-law an unexpected question. She asked, "Mother, can I call you Unnie?" It was a statement containing the intent to live like sisters beyond the relationship of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Following this, she drew laughter as she recalled the moment she said, "Unnie, I love you so much."

While conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law frequently appear as a staple subject in entertainment programs, Lee Ji-yeong's story shows that family relationships do not necessarily need to be defined only by age and hierarchy. Of course, one cannot explain all aspects of a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship with just one title, but the sight of the two complimenting each other and expressing their feelings comfortably catches the eye. Lee Ji-yeong's marriage story, where she chose her work over the condition of having a hospital set up for her, combined with her pleasant daily life calling her mother-in-law 'Unnie,' conveyed the special atmosphere of the family she is building.

Read the original (Korean)