Former baseball player Lee Dae-ho moved viewers with his heartfelt love for his wife Shin Hye-jung.
According to Nielsen Korea, the ratings for the SBS show ‘Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 - You Are My Destiny’ (hereafter Same Bed, Different Dreams 2), which aired the previous day, recorded a 4.2% viewership in the metropolitan area and 1% in the 2049 demographic. This figure corresponds to the number one spot in its time slot and the overall number one in Monday entertainment shows. The viewership peaked at 5.6% during the broadcast.
In this episode, Lee Dae-ho, known as the 'fourth batter of Joseon,' joined the show with his first love, wife Shin Hye-jung, as the third participant in the 400th special relay, drawing attention. The couple, who have been together for 24 years including their 8-year dating period, exuded a sweet atmosphere even before the pre-interview shoot. Lee Dae-ho adorably looked at his nervous wife Shin Hye-jung and surprised the studio with his caring demeanor, anticipating her needs.
Lee Dae-ho, who appeared looking slimmer, revealed that he successfully lost 20 kg through diet and exercise over three months, which drew admiration. He stated, "Recently, I started taking Wegovy, but it was misreported that I lost all the weight with Wegovy. I ate one meal a day for three months and didn't drink any of my favorite alcohol," expressing his frustration.
When asked about his current weight, Lee Dae-ho playfully refused to disclose it, saying, "I can't reveal it. Even after losing weight, I still weigh over 100 kg. I can never get to two digits," which elicited laughter.
Wife Shin Hye-jung commented, "I think he is the cutest person among those who weigh over 120 kg in the world. He dances and acts cute, and those moments are really adorable. That's why I always call him 'Prince of Belly Fat,'" revealing Lee Dae-ho's unexpected side.
Lee Dae-ho, who was jealous of his wife taking care of their son while exercising, often asked, "What about me?" seeking her attention. He even had his wife apply sunscreen for him. Shin Hye-jung explained, "I have to apply lotion and sunscreen for him, and I have to give him his medicine," adding, "Since I keep doing it, I think he wants me to do it more," to which Lee Dae-ho coolly admitted, causing laughter.
Shin Hye-jung's meticulous support was even more thorough during Lee Dae-ho's active career. She managed his diet and even checked the ingredients of supplements with his trainer to prevent any issues, impressing everyone with her attention to detail.
Despite Lee Dae-ho's successful career thanks to his wife's support, there were tough times. He revealed that he moved to Japan just a week after their first child, Ye-seo, was born, and his wife Shin Hye-jung packed nearly 30 suitcases and moved to Japan alone with their baby, which surprised everyone.
However, shortly after moving to Japan, Lee Dae-ho fell into a slump. During that time, Shin Hye-jung brought their child to watch him play, and Lee Dae-ho recalled, "When I stepped up to the plate, my wife was standing there holding our child. At that moment, I thought I shouldn't show a lack of confidence to my wife and daughter. That's when I hit a double. From that point on, things started to go well," reminiscing about how his family helped him overcome his slump.
Lee Dae-ho, who is devoted to his wife, recounted the moment he felt certain about her when she took care of him during a urinal incident. He was hospitalized for knee surgery at the age of 21, and with his only family member, his brother, serving in the military after their grandmother passed away, Shin Hye-jung was the only one who could be by his side. Despite her young age, she willingly traveled to Seoul to take on the role of caregiver. "I was glad I could go," Shin Hye-jung said, as she took care of Lee Dae-ho, who had difficulty moving after surgery, even handling his urinal.
Lee Dae-ho reflected, "I thought, 'Is this person sent by my grandmother?' I think I thought, 'This is the one, this is the woman.' Just having a girlfriend who cares about me made me happy," recalling that time.
He continued, "Since she did this for me, I think I decided to make her happier. That was love, I think. I was grateful. From that moment on, she became my caregiver. Even until now," confessing his true feelings. The fateful story of the two, who cherished each other even at a young age, moved viewers, and that day, the viewership peaked at 5.6%, marking the 'best one minute' of the show.
Lee Dae-ho expressed, "If I hadn't met my wife, I wouldn't be here," showing his gratitude by saying, "We met during tough times, relied on each other, and grew together." In response, Shin Hye-jung began to tear up as she continued, "My husband always says we have grown together."
Shin Hye-jung added, "I'm not particularly beautiful or special, but my husband always says I'm pretty and that I'm the best. He always puts me first. He is the one who makes me shine. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you," revealing her heartfelt thoughts.
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
