Hong Jin-kyung Vows to Protect Choi Jin-sil's Kids

Hong Jin-kyung Vows to Protect Choi Jin-sil's Kids

Original article (Korean):  홍진경, '故 최진실' 자녀 환희·준희 끝까지 챙겨..."무슨 일 생기면 언제든 나한테 오길" ('소라와진경')  |  OSEN

📌 Summary

Hong Jin-kyung has revealed her unwavering commitment to protecting the children of the late Korean acting legend Choi Jin-sil. In the debut episode of MBC’s new variety show 'Sora and Jin-kyung,' the broadcaster shared her deep emotional bond with Choi’s two children, Moon Hwan-hee and Choi Joon-hee, emphasizing that she wants them to know they can come to her no matter what happens in life. Her heartfelt words highlighted a 15-year journey of quiet loyalty and support, even through her own personal struggles.

Known for her candid personality and resilience, Hong Jin-kyung reflected on her life’s hardships — including marriage, motherhood, and battling cancer — yet stressed that her connection to Choi Jin-sil’s family remained a constant priority. She admitted she doesn’t see the children every day but has always aimed to be a consistent, reliable presence in their lives.

Hong Jin-kyung’s Lifelong Promise to Choi Jin-sil’s Children

In a deeply moving moment on MBC’s new variety special 'Sora and Jin-kyung,' Hong Jin-kyung opened up about her enduring bond with the late Choi Jin-sil’s children, Moon Hwan-hee and Choi Joon-hee. The emotional segment aired during the show’s premiere on the 26th and quickly resonated with viewers across South Korea. As one of Choi Jin-sil’s closest friends during her lifetime, Hong has quietly shouldered the responsibility of being a supportive figure for her children after the actress’s tragic passing in 2008.

Co-host I So-ra, visibly moved, praised Hong’s unwavering loyalty: “You’ve always been there for Hwan-hee and Joon-hee.” Hong responded humbly, saying, “I may not see them every day or help them all the time, but I made a promise to myself to be consistent. I want them to know that if anything ever happens, they can come to me anytime.” This sentiment struck a chord with fans, reminding the public of Hong’s long-standing role as a guardian figure in the lives of Choi’s now-grown children.

A Friendship That Transcended Fame

Choi Jin-sil and Hong Jin-kyung were more than just fellow celebrities — they were true confidantes in an industry known for its fleeting relationships. Their friendship began in the early 2000s and remained strong until Choi’s untimely death. Even after losing her best friend, Hong chose to honor that bond by staying connected to her family, especially her two young children at the time.

In past interviews, Hong has spoken about the profound impact Choi had on her life, calling her a mentor and emotional anchor. Now, through 'Sora and Jin-kyung,' audiences are seeing how that connection evolved into a quiet, steadfast guardianship. Though not legally bound, Hong’s actions reflect a deep sense of moral responsibility — a rare display of genuine loyalty in the entertainment world.

The story also sheds light on how Korean celebrities often form tight-knit emotional networks, especially among women in the industry. In a culture where family and loyalty are highly valued, Hong’s decision to remain present in Hwan-hee and Joon-hee’s lives exemplifies *jeong* — a Korean concept of deep affection and obligation developed through shared hardship.

Standing Strong Through Personal Struggles

What makes Hong Jin-kyung’s commitment even more remarkable is the fact that she maintained it while navigating her own turbulent life journey. Over the past 15 years, she has faced public scrutiny over her marriage and divorce, the joys and pressures of motherhood, and a courageous battle with thyroid cancer.

Despite these challenges, she never distanced herself from Choi Jin-sil’s children. In fact, she once described her life as full of 'variety' — a humble way of acknowledging the ups and downs she’s endured. Yet through it all, her promise to Choi’s family remained a fixed point.

Fans have long admired Hong for her authenticity and strength. From her early days as a singer to her transformation into a top-tier TV personality, she has consistently shown emotional intelligence and resilience. Now, her role as a supportive figure for Choi’s children adds a new layer to her public image — not just as an entertainer, but as a woman of deep integrity.

What Fans Are Saying

The broadcast sparked an outpouring of support on social media, with netizens praising Hong Jin-kyung’s compassion and loyalty. Many called her 'a true friend' and 'a second mother' to Hwan-hee and Joon-hee. Some fans shared memories of Choi Jin-sil’s legacy, noting how proud she would likely be knowing her children are still cared for by someone she trusted.

As Moon Hwan-hee steps further into the public eye as a musician and Choi Joon-hee maintains a lower profile, Hong’s presence continues to serve as a comforting link to their mother’s memory. In a world where celebrity friendships often fade, Hong Jin-kyung’s actions stand as a powerful reminder of love, duty, and the lasting impact of true friendship.

With 'Sora and Jin-kyung' now on air, audiences can expect more heartfelt moments like these — offering not just entertainment, but a glimpse into the deeper human connections that shape lives behind the spotlight.

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