

Chef Dong Joon Lee confessed his feelings after his son was diagnosed with a developmental disability on the broadcast. On the 17th episode of SBS's "Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 - You Are My Destiny," Dong Joon Lee revealed, "My child has a developmental disability." He explained his reason for appearing on "Black and White Chef 2," saying, "I wanted to show that dad is a chef," and added, "I cherish the time spent with my child."
Dong Joon Lee shared his difficult experiences dining out with his son. He said, "When my son was young, he was very afraid of confined spaces," and explained, "He had a hard time riding airplanes or subways." He continued, "I was always tense as well. As someone running a restaurant, I worried about disturbing other customers."
He recalled the process leading up to his son Jaejin's diagnosis of a developmental disability. Dong Joon Lee said, "My son, born in February 2013, was diagnosed when he was 24 months old," and added, "He had a very hard time going to kindergarten." He said, "On his second birthday, there was a birthday party at kindergarten, and that was the first time he saw children his age. He realized he was different from them."
Dong Joon Lee and his wife went to the hospital for the diagnosis, and he shared his feelings during that time: "It felt like the main character died. At that time, I think I was dreaming alone." He added, "I worried a lot about whether he would be able to go to school or speak."
He revealed that he and his wife went through a difficult time together. He said, "We received couples counseling. We couldn't bear to see each other's pain," and explained, "When my wife said she was struggling, I said I was struggling too. That pain lasted about a year." As a result of counseling, Dong Joon Lee said he had low self-esteem, and his wife was diagnosed with depression. He stated, "We were heading toward divorce, but I didn't want to divorce," and revealed, "We chose to go to the United States for our child's treatment and family healing."
Dong Joon Lee said, "The love of the family overcame everything," and added, "Our child was healed, and my wife and I became a strong team." He also mentioned that he is currently living in Bangkok, Thailand, with his son.
Meanwhile, Tammy Lee also appeared on the broadcast that day. He explained his reason for appearing on "Black and White Chef 2," saying, "I wanted to show that dad is a chef and that I love cooking." Tammy Lee said, "Eunhye's mother sent a message of support," and explained, "My wife is a fan of Eunhye's family. They are planning to open a cafe, but she was worried."
Tammy Lee said, "My dream is to run a cafe with my child," and added, "I think this opportunity is fate for me." Regarding his connection with Eunhye's family, he said, "I respect Eunhye's family. I wanted to cook for them to express that feeling."
Eunhye's mother said, "It wasn't easy to reveal the child's disability," and added, "It was touching to see the chef confidently reveal the child's disability and cook." Dong Joon Lee said, "Eunhye's family is our hope and role model," and shared, "I felt the difference between children the same age as my son."
This episode contained honest stories about the hardships parents face raising children with developmental disabilities, the difficulties they experience, and the process of overcoming them. Dong Joon Lee and Tammy Lee emphasized the importance of family love and support through their respective experiences.



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