Former football star Lee Dong-guk recently shared insights about his large family on Channel A's documentary series, "Close Friends: Table for Four." The episode features Lee welcoming fellow celebrities and soccer players to his newly revealed home, which is packed with family-friendly amenities. Among these are a karaoke room and a unique towel rack for his family of seven, highlighting his affection and support for his loved ones.
Lee explained that his family uses about 20 towels a day, requiring the washing machine to run constantly, and that dining out costs them over 200,000 won. He also empathized with fellow fathers, Jeong Jo-guk and Ahn Jae-mo, regarding the challenges of managing their children's busy schedules. As a father of four athlete children, he shared the joys and struggles of parenthood in a candid conversation.
Within Lee's family, four of his five children are athletes—his eldest daughter, Jae-si, recently got accepted to FIT, while his three younger daughters are pursuing careers in golf, and his youngest son, known as "Daebak," is focused on soccer. Lee shared the journey of his second daughter, Jae-a, who transitioned from being a promising tennis player to a golfer after two knee surgeries. This evolution has made Lee not only a supporter of young athletes but also an inspiring figure for his children.
Reflecting on his youth, Lee recalled how his father drove a school bus while supporting his dreams, and how each family member played a significant role in his success, from his mother’s indulgent cooking to his sister's sacrifice for his athletic pursuits. These familial bonds paved the way for his breakout as the youngest professional footballer in 1998, a milestone that further solidified his legacy. Lee disclosed that he used his initial earnings to pay off debts and provide for his family, demonstrating the importance of family in his life.
Additionally, Ahn Jae-mo shared the adventurous tale of how he met his wife through baseball player Jo Yong-jun's introduction, revealing a spontaneous love story that shocked his family. Meanwhile, Jeong Jo-guk recounted how he recently ended a prolonged period of living apart from his wife, actress Kim Sung-eun, emphasizing the importance of family life. The engaging stories of these celebrated figures are featured every Monday at 8:10 PM on Channel A’s "Close Friends: Table for Four."