DONGHAE’S FATHER’S LAST LETTER TO DONGHAE

(from mid-2006, I think)

Donghae-yah, my son Donghae-yah, my beloved son Donghae-yah!

Dad is so blessed because you are my son, and you’ve already become a singer.

I’m really so fortunate. You’ve often told me on the phone: “Have been well recently? Are you healthy?”…and also, “I’m sorry. I love you.”

Donghae, when Dad sees you on TV, he can’t help but to put his hand over his heart. It’s probably because Dad loves our Donghae too much.

Donghae, let me tell you, Dad used to dream about becoming a singer, but your grandfather was completely opposed, so I left my dream in Seoul and I brought your mom back to Mokpo. Then we had your brother Donghwa, and then we had you. I was so happy! You and Donghwa were both my sons, I was so thankful to God.

When you were in junior high, you told me you wanted to be a singer. Back then you were still half-studying, half-playing, but when you told me you wanted to be a singer, my heart leaped, my feelings were stirred. I pressed the money into your hand and said, “Go to Seoul.”

After you went to Seoul, your mom and I often prayed. There were a lot of tears, too, just like my son Donghae. My Donghae will surely succeed! If my Donghae was defeated, his heart would surely be hurt, so we prayed and prayed and still prayed… Then you became qualified. Oh we were so happy then: Dad was so proud of you, so, so proud. From then on our Donghae left to live in Seoul, and I was torn between being extremely happy and extremely sad.

Despite this, I still believed in my son Donghae as I did before, because you were so full of bravery and determination. And just like that, a few years later, you really did become a singer.

The first time you won number one, you still took the time to worry about me. That day, you called me and said, “Dad, I don’t cry anymore. I’ve resolved no to cry anymore: my fans are watching. Have I done well? On this earth, I love Dad the most. And my favorite color is the color of the ocean…”

When I watch our Donghae on TV, I thought of my own dream when I was young. Oh my beloved Donghae!

When my Donghae wins the newcomer award, Dad won’t be able to see it. I won’t be able to see your bride, I won’t be able to see my cute grandchildren…

But as long as it’s what our Donghae believes in, then it will be the best. And I’ll protect all of you from heaven, and become the strength at your back. And my Donghae’s next generation will also be so blessed…

My son Donghae-yah! I love you.

Love you!