Ta Jin-ah: "I have an obligation to do everything for my wife who has the right to receive care," speaking of love, not just devotion [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Trot singer Ta Jin-ah (73, real name Jo Bang-heon) expressed his deep affection for his wife, affectionately known as "Ok-gyeong-i" (Ms. Lee Ok-hyung).

In a content titled 'Band Live' released on the 19th via the YouTube channel 'Miss & Mr. Trot', Ta Jin-ah appeared as a guest.

In the video, when MC Ahn Seong-hoon asked about his daily routine, Ta Jin-ah replied, "Around this time every year, I prepare new songs. I release one regular album annually. Sometimes I also release singles, which means two releases per year," sharing his busy schedule.

He continued, "I write the lyrics, and my son Lee-u (real name Jo Sung-hyun) handles all the composition. Lee-u has a knack for creating unusual melodies. When he first showed me 'Love Is Better Than Money' (2010), I was surprised. At that time, I went to MBC Radio while Cho Young-nam was hosting the show. He asked, 'Who composed this melody? Please write something like this for me too. I beg you.' He praised his son Lee-u's musical talent highly."

Ahn Seong-hoon asked, "While we respect you as a senior artist, what is most impressive and touching is that you often bring your wife along during your schedules. How do you maintain such deep love that stays by her side always?"

In response, Ta Jin-ah moved the audience with his answer: "She has the right to receive everything from me, and I have an obligation to give her anything she needs."

He recalled, "The reason is simple. I met Ok-gyeong-i in August 1981 in the United States. At that time, I was completely destitute. I left Gimpo Airport with only $45. Lacking money, I could only afford a one-way ticket to America. It was purely for the American Dream. I followed her around for over six months, even standing outside her house just looking at it."

He added, "During that time, my mother passed away in Korea. Since I had no money to buy a ticket, I couldn't go back. My younger brother sent me photos of the funeral. Seeing them made me cry so much. At the time, I told Ok-gyeong-i, 'Who would love someone like me, a beggar? But please, just look at this photo once.' Because I was crying uncontrollably, she said, 'Okay, I'll look. Since I'm going to meet you, please stop crying.' After that, she stayed by my side after giving birth to Lee-u. She taught me English, participated in events with me on the streets of America. Today, I am successful because of Ok-gyeong-i. That's why I must do everything for her."

Unfortunately, his wife is currently suffering from dementia. Ta Jin-ah mentioned, "During broadcast schedules, we used to travel together in a wheelchair, but recently she doesn't even like that. She dislikes going outside."

Nevertheless, Ta Jin-ah shared, "Her condition worsened and then suddenly stopped progressing. It has been one year since it halted. I am so grateful. The disease is no longer advancing."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.