Actress Sa Mi-ja shares candid details of 13-year cohabitation

Actress Sa Mi-ja revealed the complex relationship she shares with her eldest daughter-in-law during a video released on the 'Sa Mi-ja, Not Omija' YouTube channel on the 23rd. While expressing affection for her daughter-in-law's kind heart, the 86-year-old also shared disappointments regarding their differing tastes and the daughter-in-law's blunt attitude.

Actress Sa Mi-ja (86) has revealed the candid relationship she shares with her eldest daughter-in-law, with whom she has lived for 13 years. While expressing affection by saying her daughter-in-law "cannot have a kinder heart," Sa Mi-ja also expressed disappointment, noting that when the daughter-in-law eats delicious food, she thinks of her own mother first.

On the 23rd, a video titled "35 Years of Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law Conflict, Finally Filial Piety..." was released on the YouTube channel 'Sa Mi-ja, Not Omija'. In the video, Sa Mi-ja's eldest daughter-in-law takes her mother-in-law out for skincare treatments. The daughter-in-law prepared this special outing for her mother-in-law, who typically shows little interest in managing her appearance.

“Mother doesn't really manage her appearance. Perhaps because she was born with natural beauty,” the daughter-in-law said, adding, “So today, I am going to take some time to take her out.” The daughter-in-law's intention to gift a different kind of experience to her mother-in-law, who has lived for many years for the sake of the family, was evident.

However, the relationship between the two is not purely affectionate. When asked about her thoughts on her daughter-in-law, Sa Mi-ja replied, “She cannot have a kinder heart. At other times, she is so cold that I wonder, 'How can she be so blunt?'” It was a candid confession of feeling disappointed by the daughter-in-law's firm attitude, even while admiring her warm and kind heart. The intimacy and subtle tension of a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law who have lived together for a long time were revealed simultaneously.

When the topic of traditional holidays arose, Sa Mi-ja spoke positively of her daughter-in-law's responsible attitude. “This Chuseok, when I asked, 'What are you going to do?' she said, 'I should do it. I'll do what I always do,'” she said, adding, “Well, as long as she has that mindset, it's fine. That's why I soften up.” This suggests that seeing the daughter-in-law naturally accept her usual role helps ease the discomfort in her heart.

Nevertheless, not all disappointments have vanished. Bringing up side dishes, Sa Mi-ja lamented, “The anchovy side dishes were delicious, but she doesn't make them. She absolutely won't. I don't know why she doesn't.” In response, the daughter-in-law explained, “When Mother said they were delicious, I made them again, but she said they were too salty. When I make them, she says they are too bland, so at some point, she said, 'I'll do it myself.'” It appears that due to differing tastes and evaluations of the same food, Sa Mi-ja eventually ended up making the side dishes herself. The reality of long-term cohabitation was fully reflected in this minor dining table scene.

The two have lived together for approximately 13 years. The daughter-in-law said, “She may have a strong impression, but I know her warm heart. To be honest, I am so grateful that Mother has been our pillar, both economically and mentally.” She expressed gratitude to her mother-in-law for being a reliable support for the family, despite her strong outward impression.

Sa Mi-ja also did not hide her affection and disappointment toward her daughter-in-law. “Having lived together for about 35 years, when I eat something delicious, I think of her and think, 'Oh, I should buy this for her,'” she said. She added, “But she thinks of her own mother when she eats something delicious.” She expressed her disappointment, noting that while she thinks of her daughter-in-law first, the daughter-in-law thinks of her own mother.

Sa Mi-ja further emphasized, “If I were a daughter-in-law with a mother-in-law like me, there would be many things I would be quite grateful for.” This revealed her inner desire for her daughter-in-law to recognize the role she has played and the heart she has given to the family. In the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship that has lasted for 35 years, there are not only gratitude and affection but also accumulated disappointments stemming from their different perspectives. The candid conversation between Sa Mi-ja and her daughter-in-law showed how complex yet tight-knit a relationship can be when living together under the name of family.

Read the original (Korean)