Actor couple Chae In-pyo and Shin Ae-ra are exploring welfare blind spots.
In the 500th special episode of KBS1's human documentary 'Together' airing on the 5th, the couple will take on the role of messengers of hope, delving into the amazing power that the warmth of the social community brings.
The two, who have consistently engaged in donations and volunteer work for marginalized neighbors and children, have particularly focused on adoption and child welfare, providing support for children in need both domestically and internationally. They have not only practiced adoption themselves to improve awareness but also helped adopted children and single-mother families through various organizations.
As they continue their charitable work, the couple, known as the representative 'angel donors' of the entertainment industry, will visit a family for the 500th episode of 'Together'. The protagonists they meet are 'Turtle Boy' Min-seok (12 years old) and his grandmother (75 years old), who are struggling to live in a grandparent-grandchild household.
Min-seok, who lives in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, takes longer than others to perform everyday actions such as eating, washing, and changing clothes. It takes him an hour to eat and over an hour to wash, but Min-seok does not give up and continues to move towards the world at his own pace. However, his elderly grandmother's health is deteriorating, making it difficult for her to care for her grandson. Despite their tight living conditions, the grandmother holds onto her wish to protect Min-seok until the end.
Upon hearing their story, Chae In-pyo and Shin Ae-ra visit Min-seok's home to gift them a warm day. The couple waits with Min-seok, who loves trains, at the train station, and they also teach him exercises he can do by himself, spending meaningful time together.
They listen to the grandmother's stories and offer warm comfort. They cook and serve a warm meal, and they also give Min-seok a personalized gift to support his dream of becoming a car maker, according to reports.
The 'Together' production team stated, "We are grateful that the stories of ordinary yet special people we have met while preparing the broadcast can resonate deeply with viewers," and added, "We have come to deeply engrave in our hearts that small interests and touches can change someone's life, and we will continue to strive to create broadcasts that convey the meaning of warm sharing and solidarity."
The 500th special episode of 'Together' will also introduce the current status of families that have changed through the program. Viewers will meet families who have received support through the broadcast over the past 10 years and have overcome difficulties with the warm interest of many viewers, reflecting on how much social interest can bring about significant changes in a family's future.
'Together' will air on the 5th at 6 PM.
