Eighteen-Year-Old Hyo-rim in Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do, Protects Her Dream Instead of Her Grandfather Who Lost a Leg (EBS1, 19th)

EBS Sharing 0700 Eighteen-Year-Old Hyo-rim's Dream in a Mountain Village

*Broadcast Date/Time: September 19, 2026 (Sat) 11:25 AM, EBS1

Why is eighteen-year-old Hyo-rim from a mountain village shedding tears?

“I am grateful when Grandfather lets me buy the things he wants or needs and takes care of me. Grandfather is a precious existence to me. I want to say thank you for raising me.” - Granddaughter Hyo-rim

In a mountain village in Gyeongsangnam-do, Hyo-rim (18) lives with her grandfather and mother. While her mother, Hye-jeong (44), was hospitalized for a long period due to schizophrenia during Hyo-rim's childhood, the person who stayed by Hyo-rim's side was her grandfather, Yeong-geun (70). Hyo-rim feels more gratitude toward her grandfather, who raised her since the childhood when she needed her parents' touch, than anyone else. However, she says her heart often breaks when she sees her grandfather, whose body has become disabled after losing a leg due to a traffic accident and diabetes. When she sees her grandfather, who has endured his whole life for her, Hyo-rim says tears come to her eyes first out of heartache. To Hyo-rim, who spent an especially difficult childhood, her grandfather is the most reliable family member in the world.

A grandfather who became the pillar of the family even after losing a leg to diabetes

“Still, because I am here, my daughter and granddaughter will have hope, so I must start an economic life somehow. I think if I get a prosthetic leg and move around, I might be able to make a living while working.” - Grandfather Yeong-geun

After injuring his leg in a past traffic accident, the grandfather raised his granddaughter with difficulty while working at hitting bamboo with his disabled leg. However, because he worked too hard with his disabled leg, his diabetes worsened, eventually leading to the amputation of one leg. Even now, he faces various health issues such as diabetes and dental problems, but due to difficult circumstances, it is not even easy to receive proper examinations and treatment. The grandfather has protected the family by raising his young granddaughter instead of his daughter, who was hospitalized for schizophrenia. Currently, the family's income consists entirely of basic livelihood security benefits, but as the mother, who was discharged after her condition improved, tries to help with neighborhood work to contribute even a little to the household, it is far from enough to cover the living expenses of the three family members, medical expenses, and Hyo-rim's education costs.

Please send a helping hand so that Hyo-rim can achieve her dream of becoming a social worker!

“I can't even send her to an academy, and that is what hurts my heart the most and makes me feel sorry. Because the circumstances to provide support are not there, I can't do anything, so I am worried that Hyo-rim might live her life giving up just like me.” - Mother Hye-jeong

“I hope Hyo-rim becomes a wonderful social worker and grows into an adult who can be helpful to children in need later.” - Hadong County Office social worker

Even in a difficult environment, Hyo-rim is nurturing her dream of becoming a social worker to help people in need. She has never even been to an academy and is studying for entrance exams by only watching internet lectures. With the family's tight financial situation combined with the medical expenses for her sick mother and grandfather, supporting Hyo-rim's dream is not easy. Mother Hye-jeong shed tears, saying she was sorry for not being able to provide proper support to her daughter. The house, built over 20 years ago, also has insects appearing and old wooden pillars are rotting, making the improvement of the living environment desperate. Please send your warm interest and love so that the family can receive proper treatment in a safe place and Hyo-rim can move toward her dream.

EBS's representative social contribution program , which collects donations of 3,000 won per call to support neighbors in need. In the 835th episode, 'Eighteen-Year-Old Hyo-rim's Dream in a Mountain Village,' to be broadcast on September 19 (Sat) at 11:25 AM, it tells the story of Hyo-rim, who is nurturing her dream of becoming a social worker in a difficult environment while becoming the legs for her grandfather who raised her when she was young.

* Related photos are available on the EBS institutional website (about.ebs.co.kr)-Cyber PR Office-Highlights, on the corresponding broadcast date.

◆ At a Glance

· Publishing Institution: EBS

· Category: Sharing 0700

· Distribution: September 19

Source: EBS Press Release

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