Joo Byeong-jin (66) chose Choi Ji-in as his first after-date partner, showing a closer bond as they shared sincere conversations.
On the broadcast of tvN STORY's 'Can We Love Now' on the 9th, Joo Byeong-jin's after-date with Choi Ji-in was aired.
On that day, Joo Byeong-jin said before the after-date, “This is daringly our second meeting. I want to feel and know each other's deeper inner selves, and I think the second meeting has a deeper meaning.”
The protagonist of the day was Choi Ji-in, a painter in her 50s. Joo Byeong-jin smiled, saying, “It felt like a lovely Metasequoia tree was walking towards me. It was refreshing. I was so happy to see Ji-in, who I had been waiting for. It was nice to meet her.” In response, Choi Ji-in said, “It feels like time is going backward. I feel younger. You seem brighter. You must be feeling good these days.”
The two then walked along a walking path. Joo Byeong-jin said, “I usually don’t wear a coat, but I thought it would be cold, so I wore a coat and prepared a hot pack,” handing over the hot pack and adding, “I might not be able to put it in my pocket because I’m worried about how my body looks. Don’t you care about that? You must have had a hard time with negative comments since this broadcast is airing.”
Choi Ji-in replied, “I received messages from people around me. A parent contacted me, saying they were worried that the teacher might be hurt by the comments, and they sent a long text. They hoped I wouldn’t get hurt and connected me with good music.” She continued, “As far as I remember, there were comments like, ‘Don’t open your eyes too wide. Your laughter sounds light. I wish you would answer more seriously when talking.’ I tend to be the type who doesn’t open my heart right away. Isn’t everyone like that?”
She added, “I don’t try to hold onto unpleasant feelings for long. I think it’s just a matter of getting through it myself.”
When Joo Byeong-jin asked, “Have you overcome it?” she replied, “The wound is still here. When I listen to the elders, they say that if you forgive, it will be erased. I’m not mature enough to forgive yet, so maybe I’ll forgive after a little more time? I haven’t sorted it out yet. I’m not ready to live in the world like an adult. So I think I need to sort it out a bit more, and ultimately, I believe I have to forgive.”
Joo Byeong-jin praised her, saying, “My acquaintances said that after seeing Ji-in, they felt her clarity and that her laughter is really nice. Laugh a lot. You have an incredible weapon. Laughter is worth a million dollars in navigating life. It’s a refreshing laughter, and I hope Ji-in knows that.”
He also asked, “Isn’t Ji-in young? Since she’s young, what do your parents think about you dating someone with such an age difference?” Choi Ji-in replied, “They really liked it. I thought my dad would get along well with him. Their sense of humor is similar. They have a lot in common. They always show consideration and speak humbly, but my mom was a bit worried. My mom was actually a fan of his.”
Later, Choi Ji-in presented a heartfelt lunch box she had prepared. Joo Byeong-jin expressed his joy, saying, “I think it’s too much for me to receive a lunch box prepared with such care. Plus, home-cooked meals are the best. It’s so touching. With Ji-in here, I feel like I’m flying in the sky.”
