A Korean actor, known as the victim of the “Three Sons Murder Case” that once shocked South Korea, appeared on a broadcast for the first time in 10 years after going missing, confessing with a heavy heart that he still does not understand the reason behind the tragedy.
On the 11th, MBN‘s YouTube channel uploaded a video of the actor Kim Tae Hyung episode from the show On-Site Report Special World, which originally aired in September 2022, generating renewed attention.
In 2012, an unprecedented case was reported where a mother killed her three young sons in a motel, shocking the public greatly. It was revealed that the father of the victims and husband of the suspect was the veteran actor Kim Tae Hyung, adding to the sorrow.
After the tragic incident, he vanished without a trace but stood before the camera for the first time in 10 years to share his recent life and the painful story he has borne.
Currently living alone with his elderly mother, Kim Tae Hyung lowered his head saying, “I feel guilty every morning eating the meals my mother prepares. In a normal family, my daughter-in-law would prepare the meals, but I end up eating my mother’s cooking.”
Debuting as a public talent in 1993 and actively working as an actor, he explained his 10-year hiatus from acting: “I didn’t quit by my own choice. Due to the shocking family tragedy, I became averse to people and couldn’t maintain normal life. I suffered from severe panic disorder—it got so bad that I lost my way on routes I took every day and couldn’t even drive.”
Currently, encouraged by a friend, he has been working at a sales office for six months, handling cleaning and odd jobs, living a second life. It was a new challenge to hold on to life.
Recalling his wife, Kim Tae Hyung said, “She was a good mother who treated the children very well and lived without luxury.” But during their marriage, her behavior gradually changed. One day, she left home without a word, sent a single text message, then cut off contact. A week after filing a missing person report, the police delivered the devastating news of the death of their three sons.
Kim Tae Hyung confessed, “I was just in panic and out of my mind. I didn’t eat anything for ten days and drank only alcohol. I even thought about ending my life.”
He revealed that even 10 years after the incident, he still doesn’t know why his wife committed such a horrific crime, breaking the hearts of viewers. Kim Tae Hyung said, “I still don’t know the reason. The investigation agencies at the time couldn’t identify a clear motive either. I asked to visit her in prison to ask, but she refused my visits,” shedding tears mixed with frustration and resentment.
Whenever he misses his children, he writes in a secret notebook. He shared a poignant promise to his children: “I have to meet the kids in heaven. If I go to hell, I won’t be able to see them. I try to live every day with new resolutions and repentance so I can meet them again in heaven.”
His strong resolve, sustained by faith and the will to live despite despair, moved many viewers to tears.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had self-harming thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out to your local confidential support for people in distress or to call the Lifeline. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s # is 988, OR you can call 1-800-273-8255. Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741 (US), 686868 (Canada), or 85258 (UK).