Jung Sun-hee discusses grief and the shame of feeling relief

During a new reading segment on the Kim Young-chul Original channel, Jung Sun-hee shared her experience of self-loathing after losing her son, citing Park Wan-suh's "Please Say Just One Word" as a source of comfort.

Comedian Kim Young-chul engaged in a deep conversation through books with Jung Sun-hee during a new reading segment. Appearing as the first guest for "Let's Read Books," a new corner on the Kim Young-chul Original channel, Jung Sun-hee shared sentences reflecting her life's trajectory, ranging from the books that helped her stand again to classics she recommends to those in their 20s.

"The relief of being alive felt shameful"... A record of sorrow left by Park Wan-suh

The work Jung Sun-hee cited as the book that comforted and lifted her up is "Please Say Just One Word" by Park Wan-suh. This book is a record written by the author in a state of extreme sorrow after losing her only son at the age of twenty-six. Jung Sun-hee explained that beyond simple literary description, the book contains the honest and plain pain that only those who have experienced tragedy can feel.

Referencing a scene from the book, Jung Sun-hee spoke about the "self-loathing" experienced by those who have endured loss. It was a confession regarding the guilt encountered in moments of continuing daily life, such as eating a meal as usual, after losing someone. She shared the shame she felt when she met a woman at a convent who was watching her sick daughter; despite having already lost her own son, Jung found herself feeling relief that the daughter was alive. "It was so pride-breaking and shameful when my sorrow was utilized as a source to give strength to someone else," Jung said, conveying the weight of Park Wan-suh's words.

She also presented a new perspective on the definition of "comfort." Instead of unconditional encouragement or phrases like "It will be okay," she emphasized that everyday greetings such as "Did you eat?" or "Did you get a haircut?" can sometimes provide deeper comfort. "Wrongful comfort can actually become violence," Jung added, noting that true comfort begins with not judging another person's pain.

From the bright world to demonic nature... "Demian" recommended to those in their 20s

Following this, Jung Sun-hee chose Hermann Hesse's "Demian" as a book she wishes to gift to those in their 20s. It is a classic that depicts the process of the protagonist, Emil Sinclair, escaping the ordinary and bright "white world" to face his inner darkness and grow.

Jung explained the confusion Sinclair experiences while being blackmailed by a character named Franz Kromer, and his subsequent transformation as he meets Demian and absorbs his philosophy. In particular, she noted that Sinclair should not insist only on bright and wholesome thoughts, but must accept his complete self, including his demonic nature. She pointed out that the message Demian delivered to Sinclair played a decisive role in expanding an individual's world.

"Even 20 years from now, we will be reading books"

Based on their long-standing friendship, the two shared their values regarding reading. Jung revealed that rather than bestsellers displayed in large bookstores, she prefers books that carry a lonely feeling, as if lying alone in an unfamiliar place. She also expressed a tendency to enjoy literary exploration rather than self-help books. Kim Young-chul praised Jung as a "Good Listener" and a mentor in life, expressing his desire for their time spent reading together to continue.

Source: original video (YouTube)