Mother facing eviction after 20 years of caring for bedridden son

Gi-sun, 76, must vacate her home following a notice of compulsory execution after her residence went to auction due to debt. She is struggling to find a new residence that can accommodate her 49-year-old son, Jin-sik, who has been bedridden for 20 years due to meningitis, hydrocephalus, and brain hemorrhages.

Gi-sun (76), a mother who has been providing care for her son for 20 years after he suddenly collapsed, is facing an eviction crisis and must vacate her home. Her son, Jin-sik (49), is bedridden after suffering from meningitis and hydrocephalus, followed by two brain hemorrhages. While Gi-sun manages his daily necessities, including meals, washing, shaving, and nail care, their home has gone to auction due to debt, and a notice of compulsory execution has arrived. EBS will introduce the caregiving life of the mother and son and their search for a new home on EBS 1TV’s ‘Sharing 0700’ at 11:25 AM on the 24th.

Son collapsed in his youth, 20 years of continuous care

According to the EBS broadcast introduction, Jin-sik suffered from meningitis and hydrocephalus in his youth, followed by two brain hemorrhages. The son, who had been healthy, became bedridden overnight. He currently lives in a bedridden state, finds it difficult to speak, and can only barely move his right hand. Gi-sun has continued to care for him by his side for 20 years since he collapsed. Jin-sik is currently 49 years old, and his mother is 76.

After being widowed long ago, Gi-sun raised her children by selling shoes at street stalls. The broadcast materials noted that Jin-sik was a son who helped his mother well. Since his illness began, the mother has been responsible for his meals, washing, shaving, and nail care. Because it is difficult for the son to perform basic daily activities alone, continuous care is required. The time Gi-sun spends looking after her son is not limited to specific times of the day. EBS explained that Gi-sun continues a life of tending to her son's every move.

There is also a risk that Jin-sik may experience epileptic seizures at any time. EBS reported that Gi-sun cares for her son every day amidst worries about these seizures. A rehabilitation medicine specialist stated, “He is still too young... from the perspective of trying any treatment that can be done, I really hope he undergoes rehabilitation treatment.” The broadcast covers the son's condition of living bedridden for a long period, the specialist's opinion on rehabilitation, and the care the mother has provided.

Home lost to auction, notice of compulsory execution received

The house where Gi-sun has lived while caring for her son has gone to auction due to debt. Recently, a notice of compulsory execution arrived, placing the mother and son in a situation where they must vacate their residence. “I couldn't sleep. My heart was pounding... Out of all these houses, I don't have a single house of my own, so it really brings me to tears,” Gi-sun said. They must leave the home where they have lived for a long time caring for the son, but they have not yet secured a new place to move.

Gi-sun makes a living through income from senior employment. She is moving to find a new home, but finding a house that meets her son's living requirements is difficult. The room must be large enough to accommodate the special patient bed required for Jin-sik, and it must be a flat first-floor location without thresholds or stairs to allow for wheelchair movement. When choosing a house, she must consider not only general residential conditions but also the conditions for her son's mobility and bed usage.

The deposit Gi-sun possesses is a small amount. The broadcast introduction stated that it is not easy to find a house meeting the necessary conditions with that amount. Gi-sun wandered all day to find a house but ultimately returned empty-handed. Moving boxes are placed inside the house. In a situation where they must vacate the house without having decided where to go, the mother must also find a residence where she can continue caring for her son. EBS stated that the broadcast will introduce the process of the mother and son searching for a new home while facing an immediate eviction crisis.

Mother who raised children at street stalls stays by her son's side

After being widowed, Gi-sun raised her children by selling shoes at street stalls. Since Jin-sik fell ill and collapsed in his youth, she has been responsible for his daily life. This includes preparing meals, washing, shaving, and nail care, all while living with the worry that seizures may occur. EBS reported that this care has continued for 20 years. As the son has difficulty speaking and can barely move his right hand, a life requiring his mother's touch continues.

Gi-sun expressed in the broadcast that she blames herself for her son's illness. “He is a good child... I feel the most guilt, wondering if he is so sick because of the sins of his parents. I tried to raise you well... I am sorry. That is what hurts my heart the most,” she said. She also expressed longing when recalling the son's appearance before he collapsed. EBS introduced that during his 20s, Jin-sik told his mother, “Mom, when I make money later, I will definitely make you live in luxury.”

Gi-sun still feels thankful that her son is alive by her side and says she will care for him as long as she has strength. She said to her son, “You are the best, my son... Let's live long, healthy, and well without being sick, okay?” The broadcast materials contain the mother's heart, feeling thankful just because her son smiles at her, and her wish to one day walk alongside him. However, the mother and son are currently in a situation where they must find a new residence that meets the requirements for the son's bed and wheelchair movement before the eviction.

Mother and son's story and donation information to be broadcast on the 24th

‘Sharing 0700’ is an EBS social contribution program that supports neighbors in need by collecting 3,000 won in donations per call. This episode, titled ‘My Son, Who Suddenly Collapsed One Day!’, will be broadcast on EBS 1TV on Saturday, October 24 at 11:25 AM. EBS stated that the program will tell the story of Jin-sik, who lives bedridden, and his mother Gi-sun, who has been caring for him for 20 years. The broadcast will cover the son's illness and current state, the care the mother has provided, and their situation of needing to find a new home following the auction of their house due to debt and the notice of compulsory execution.

Gi-sun makes a living through senior employment while caring for her son, and the deposit needed to find a new house is a small amount. The house requires a large room for a special patient bed and conditions for wheelchair movement. EBS has requested the interest and donations of viewers so that the mother and son can live in a warm home. The broadcast will air on EBS 1TV on October 24, 2026, at 11:25 AM.

Read the original (Korean)