Gyeongsan Boxing Boy Seung-ik, Picking Up Empty Bottles and Working at a Market for Grandfather Who Lost Grandmother

A boxing boy and his grandfather

The empty space left by the grandmother... Grandson Seung-ik and his grandfather endure by collecting empty bottles and working part-time at a market

Broadcast: September 19, 2026 (Sat) 4:30 PM KBS 1TV

Seung-ik, a boxing boy who wants to protect his grandfather,

In a boxing gym in Gyeongsan filled with heavy breathing, Seung-ik is training hard for his grandfather. Due to his parents' divorce, Seung-ik has been raised by his grandfather and grandmother since he was young. Since his grandmother, who suffered from chronic leukemia for decades, passed away a few months ago, he has been living alone with his grandfather.

After recently losing his wife, the grandfather has become physically and mentally weak, to the point where he can barely fall asleep without taking tranquilizers. Seung-ik is trying to lessen his grandfather's burden even if only a little. For his grandfather, who is not good at handling electronic devices, Seung-ik not only operates vacuum cleaners or washing machines but also looks for all possible housework, such as cleaning or taking out the trash.

Believing that he is the only one who can protect his increasingly aging grandfather, Seung-ik began learning boxing eight months ago. No matter how tired he is after school, Seung-ik runs to the boxing gym every day and works harder than anyone else. Recalling his small determination to become a strong man to protect his grandfather, Seung-ik clenches his fists again today.

Two people who only have each other to rely on

The grandfather worked at a noisy pipe factory for over 10 years and eventually lost his hearing. Although he wears a hearing aid provided by the state after receiving a disability rating, he cannot hear well unless someone speaks loudly and clearly right next to him. For his grandfather, Seung-ik acts as his ears by answering the phone and conveying messages from others.

However, the grandfather, who was particularly close to his wife, has lost much of his vitality since losing her recently. How to be a source of strength for his grandfather is Seung-ik's biggest concern these days.

Perhaps knowing his grandson's affectionate heart, the grandfather sets out from the house despite his weakened body and mind. The grandfather wanders around the neighborhood to collect empty bottles to sell, adding to the household income with difficulty. He has a daunting worry, which is the debt that grew fearsomely due to his wife's long battle with illness. Although he barely managed to put out the immediate fire with the help of close acquaintances, he feels hopeless when thinking about how to repay that debt while living on basic livelihood security benefits.

Sensing his grandfather's anxiety, Seung-ik is also striving to help with living expenses by working part-time at a market near their home. Although the days are busy without time to soothe both the debt and the longing, the grandfather and Seung-ik find strength in each other to get through each day.

A grandfather who lost his hearing and his wife, but only worries about his grandson

The grandfather once served as a reliable head of the household, working wherever labor was needed, such as factories and construction sites. However, now that he has lost his hearing and his health has declined, he feels sorry because there is little he can do for Seung-ik. He is already worried about Seung-ik, who will be left alone as he grows older and becomes even weaker.

The grandmother's grave, which he visits whenever his mind is unsettled. As much as he always carries a photo of her in his bag, the grandfather has not yet been able to let her go in his heart. Knowing his grandfather's sorrow, Seung-ik tries to be a source of strength by living more bravely by his grandfather's side. That is why whenever his grandfather goes to pick up empty bottles, Seung-ik always follows, saying he cannot let him go alone.

At the age of a first-year middle school student, a time when one would be quite sensitive, picking up empty bottles with his grandfather could be embarrassing, but Seung-ik acts quite maturely, saying he is all grown up now and not ashamed even if his friends see him. When the grandfather sees how much Seung-ik has matured, he feels proud, but at the same time, his heart aches. He is overwhelmed by guilt, feeling as though he is making his grandson suffer because of his own inadequacies. Worried about Seung-ik, who will one day be left alone, the grandfather cannot easily fall asleep tonight either.

*A follow-up to episode 564, 'Rajun and Dyo's Ganada-ra' (broadcast on June 27, 2026), will be aired later.

(Photo provided = KBS 1TV 'Companion')

◆ At a Glance

· Publishing Institution: KBS

· Category: Companion

· Distribution: September 17, 11:10

Source: KBS Press Release

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