Basketball Legend Hyun Joo-yeop Reveals Shocking Mental Health Battle & Steps Towards Healing with Son
Seoul, South Korea – In a deeply moving and candid revelation, former South Korean basketball superstar Hyun Joo-yeop has opened up about his struggles with severe anxiety and depression, detailing a reliance on 21 psychiatric medications daily at his lowest point. The emotional disclosure came on the latest episode of TV CHOSUN’s popular reality show, ‘Dad and Me Season 3,’ and marks a pivotal moment in his attempt to rebuild a fractured relationship with his son, Hyun Jun-hee. This breaking news is resonating with audiences across South Korea and beyond, sparking conversations about mental health awareness and the challenges faced by public figures.
The Weight of Pressure: Joo-yeop’s Descent
Hyun Joo-yeop, once a national hero, confessed to losing approximately 40 kg (88 lbs) due to the immense stress stemming from various controversies. The show revealed the extent of his mental health crisis, a burden he carried largely in silence. The impact wasn’t limited to himself; his son, Jun-hee, a promising young basketball player, also suffered significantly. Jun-hee was hospitalized for insomnia, breathing difficulties, and nightmares, ultimately forcing him to take a leave of absence from high school and abandon his basketball dreams. This highlights a critical, often overlooked aspect of mental health: its ripple effect on families.
“A Broken Hero”: Jun-hee’s Heartbreaking Revelation
Perhaps the most poignant moment of the episode came when Jun-hee expressed his feelings towards his father, stating, “My dad was my dream and the most wonderful person, but now he seems like a ‘broken hero.’” The raw honesty of his words left the studio audience, including MCs Jeon Hyun-moo and Han Hye-jin, visibly moved. This underscores the profound pain children experience when witnessing a parent’s struggle with mental illness. For many, this resonates deeply, as navigating parental mental health challenges is a common, yet often unspoken, experience.
Seeking Guidance: The Role of Friendship & Communication
Recognizing the need for help, Hyun Joo-yeop turned to his longtime friend, former football star Ahn Jung-hwan, for advice. Ahn Jung-hwan, known for his own public battles and resilience, offered blunt but valuable counsel, emphasizing accountability and the importance of prioritizing his son’s needs. He urged Joo-yeop to engage in open communication and understand Jun-hee’s perspective. Ahn Jung-hwan’s direct conversation with Jun-hee, centered around their shared love of basketball, proved instrumental in breaking down barriers. This demonstrates the power of shared interests and genuine connection in fostering understanding.
The First Steps Towards Reconciliation: A New Beginning
Through Ahn Jung-hwan’s mediation, Jun-hee began to open up, expressing his long-held frustrations and feelings of abandonment. Ahn Jung-hwan relayed Joo-yeop’s hidden pride in his son’s basketball abilities, a message that finally resonated with Jun-hee. Joo-yeop, witnessing this exchange, admitted to feeling envious of his son’s rapport with his friend. While the road to full reconciliation is undoubtedly long, the episode marked a crucial first step – the beginning of a conversation. This story serves as a powerful reminder that healing is possible, even in the face of deep-seated pain and misunderstanding.
The vulnerability displayed by Hyun Joo-yeop and his son is not only a personal triumph but also a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation surrounding mental health in South Korea and globally. ‘Dad and Me Season 3’ airs every Wednesday at 10 p.m. on TV CHOSUN, offering viewers a continued glimpse into this remarkable journey of healing and reconnection. For those seeking support or information about mental health resources, organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health and Mental Health America offer valuable guidance and assistance. Staying informed and seeking help when needed are vital steps towards prioritizing well-being, both individually and collectively.
