Seoul’s ‘Bent Grandmother’ Mystery Solved: 40-Year Family Reunion Brings Hope to Jongno Streets
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – For years, she was a fixture of Jongno Street, a heartbreaking enigma known only as ‘the bent grandmother.’ Locals whispered stories about the woman with the severely curved spine, a figure of both pity and frustration. Now, after a dedicated effort by a local news crew and a surprising medical diagnosis, her story has taken an astonishing turn – a reunion with her sister after 40 years. This breaking news story highlights the complexities of mental health, the enduring power of family, and the often-overlooked struggles of homelessness. This is a story that demands attention, and one that underscores the importance of compassionate outreach.
The Enigma of Jongno Street
Merchants along bustling Jongno Street knew her as a constant presence, yet no one knew her name. The grandmother’s posture – a near-complete bend at the waist – sparked countless rumors. Some claimed she was once wealthy, abandoned by her children and deliberately adopting this posture to elicit sympathy. Others spoke of a wild temperament, a stubborn refusal of help, and even aggressive behavior towards those who tried to assist her. She’d often travel to Busan, for reasons no one could decipher. Attempts to engage her in conversation were met with resistance, even physical rebuffs, as she’d reportedly use her belt to ward off anyone who approached.
A Medical Mystery Unfolds
The news crew, determined to understand her story, sought medical attention. Initial examinations revealed no physical cause for her extreme spinal curvature. After weeks of persistence, they finally convinced her to undergo a thorough assessment. The diagnosis was startling: schizophrenia. Experts explained that the condition can manifest in unusual ways, sometimes causing individuals to contort their bodies into unnatural positions. This revelation offered a crucial piece of the puzzle, explaining her erratic behavior and resistance to help. Understanding schizophrenia is vital; it’s a chronic brain disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing the condition and improving quality of life.
The Search for Family & A 40-Year Gap
Remarkably, the grandmother unexpectedly revealed her name and social security number during one of these interactions. This information allowed the crew to trace her family, eventually contacting a sister living on Ulleungdo Island. The reunion, after four decades of separation, was deeply emotional. However, a heartbreaking detail emerged: the grandmother’s brother had no memory of his sister. It was only when his sister uttered the single word, “mom,” that a flicker of recognition sparked within him. The family revealed that the grandmother had divorced and completely severed ties with them years ago.
From Busan Trips to a Hidden Past
The mystery of her frequent trips to Busan was also solved. The grandmother had been visiting a place connected to her past, a silent pilgrimage fueled by memories she couldn’t articulate. The crew, witnessing the reunion, were overcome with emotion, and the grandmother, in a rare gesture of gratitude, shyly offered them a small gift.
A Straightened Back & A Renewed Life
With her sister’s support, the grandmother’s posture began to straighten. Six years later, a follow-up phone call with the crew revealed a remarkable transformation. “I still think about the teachers and thank you very much,” she said, a testament to the kindness and perseverance of those who refused to give up on her. The story of the ‘bent grandmother’ is a powerful reminder that behind every seemingly inexplicable situation, there’s often a complex human story waiting to be understood. It’s a story that highlights the importance of empathy, the power of family, and the potential for healing, even after decades of hardship.
This case also underscores the critical need for accessible mental health services and compassionate support for vulnerable populations. The crew’s dedication, combined with a timely medical diagnosis, not only reunited a family but also offered a second chance at life for a woman who had been lost in the shadows for far too long.
