Park Ha-sun's Emotional Confession About Motherhood Struggles: 'I Thought I Had No Maternal Instincts' on Divorce Deliberation Camp

Park Ha-sun's Heartfelt Confession About Maternal Struggles

On June 26th's broadcast of JTBC's 'Divorce Deliberation Camp,' actress Park Ha-sun opened up about her personal struggles with motherhood, offering profound advice to a mother experiencing similar difficulties. The 37-year-old actress, married to fellow actor Ryu Soo-young since 2017, shared her own journey of questioning her maternal instincts during the early days of motherhood.

The episode featured the 13th couple undergoing in-depth household investigation, where viewers witnessed a mother struggling with solo parenting. The wife, who had been caring for her 23-month-old child alone, displayed visible frustration and exhaustion throughout her daily routine. Her constant irritation while disciplining her child caught the attention of the show's panel, particularly comedian Seo Jang-hoon, who noted the underlying frustration in her tone.

When the struggling mother confessed that she often told her husband during divorce discussions that he should raise the child because she couldn't love the child wholeheartedly, Park Ha-sun's empathetic response resonated deeply with viewers. The actress asked a crucial question: whether the mother had ever taken time for herself since giving birth, to which the mother replied she had never had such opportunities.

The Reality of Postpartum Depression and Isolation

Park Ha-sun's intervention highlighted a critical aspect of modern motherhood that often goes unaddressed - the need for personal time and space. She pointed out that if the mother truly disliked her child, she would have abandoned her responsibilities entirely. Instead, the mother was fulfilling all her duties - feeding, caring, and nurturing - despite her emotional struggles.

The actress then shared her own vulnerable moment, revealing that she had similar doubts about her maternal instincts from the very beginning. Starting from her time at the postpartum care center, Park Ha-sun questioned whether she possessed natural maternal love. The overwhelming difficulty of caring for a newborn led her to break down in tears before her husband, confessing her fears about lacking maternal instincts.

Her honest revelation about crying to Ryu Soo-young, saying 'I don't think I have maternal instincts,' provided a moment of genuine connection with the struggling mother on the show. Park Ha-sun emphasized that maternal love develops differently for each person, and in her case, it grew gradually as she spent more time with her child. This reassurance offered hope to the mother, who was experiencing the most challenging phase of early parenthood.

The Physical and Emotional Toll of Solo Parenting

The broadcast also revealed the severe physical manifestations of Park Ha-sun's postpartum struggles. In a particularly moving segment, she described how the stress of early motherhood affected her physically, causing blood vessels in her eyes to burst from the strain of holding back tears and emotions. This graphic detail illustrated the often-hidden physical consequences of postpartum depression and the pressure many mothers feel to maintain a facade of coping.

Park Ha-sun recounted a specific incident that exemplified the isolation many new mothers experience. When her husband mentioned going out to meet friends one evening, she found herself overwhelmed with emotion, not because she begrudged him the social interaction, but because she realized she hadn't had similar opportunities for personal connection since becoming a mother. The sudden onset of tears surprised both her and her husband, highlighting how quickly emotional needs can surface when suppressed.

The actress's candid discussion about hormonal influences on postpartum emotions provided educational value to viewers. She emphasized that postpartum depression and emotional struggles are largely hormonal and cannot be overcome through willpower alone, stressing the importance of understanding and support from partners during this vulnerable period.

Ryu Soo-young's Initial Concerns and Eventual Support

Interestingly, Park Ha-sun's participation in 'Divorce Deliberation Camp' initially faced opposition from her husband, Ryu Soo-young. During her appearance on JTBC's 'Knowing Bros' in May, she revealed that her husband had strongly advised against joining the show. His concerns centered around the potential negative association with divorce-related content, despite their stable marriage.

However, Ryu Soo-young's perspective shifted dramatically after witnessing the positive impact the show had on their relationship. Park Ha-sun shared that her husband now appreciates her participation, noting that she treats him better since joining the program. The experience of observing various couples' struggles and solutions has enhanced her appreciation for their own relationship dynamics.

This transformation in Ryu Soo-young's attitude reflects a broader theme of the show's impact on its participants. Park Ha-sun mentioned that watching different couples' stories and expert advice made her more conscious of her communication style and behavior toward her husband. She specifically noted changes in her typically reserved demeanor, even adjusting simple interactions like answering phone calls with more warmth and affection.

The Broader Impact of Sharing Parenting Struggles

Park Ha-sun's openness about her maternal struggles serves a crucial function in normalizing the complex emotions many mothers experience but rarely discuss publicly. Her status as a successful actress married to another celebrity could have made it tempting to present a perfect image of motherhood. Instead, her willingness to share vulnerable moments provides representation for countless mothers facing similar challenges.

The actress's advice to the struggling mother on the show emphasized the importance of recognizing that caring actions demonstrate love, even when emotional connection feels absent. By pointing out that the mother continued to feed, care for, and nurture her child despite feeling disconnected, Park Ha-sun helped reframe the situation from one of maternal failure to one of dedicated caregiving under difficult circumstances.

Her message that 'this too shall pass' and that children eventually become sources of strength rather than stress offered hope to parents in the midst of challenging phases. This perspective, coming from someone who has navigated similar struggles successfully, carries particular weight and credibility for viewers facing their own parenting difficulties.

Cultural Context and Breaking Taboos

In Korean society, where traditional expectations of motherhood often emphasize natural maternal instincts and selfless devotion, Park Ha-sun's confession represents a significant cultural moment. Her admission of struggling with maternal feelings challenges societal assumptions about motherhood being instinctive and immediately fulfilling for all women.

The actress's participation in 'Divorce Deliberation Camp' as a counselor figure, rather than a participant seeking help, positions her as someone who has successfully navigated early parenting challenges. This role allows her to offer guidance from a place of experience and recovery, rather than ongoing struggle. Her presence on the show demonstrates that successful marriages and fulfilled motherhood can coexist with honest acknowledgment of past difficulties.

The positive reception of her candid sharing suggests a growing acceptance in Korean media and society for more nuanced discussions about motherhood. Rather than perpetuating myths about natural maternal instincts, Park Ha-sun's story contributes to a more realistic and supportive narrative about the diverse experiences of becoming a mother.

Looking Forward: Lessons and Hope

Park Ha-sun's journey from questioning her maternal instincts to becoming a source of wisdom for other struggling mothers illustrates the transformative potential of time, support, and honest communication. Her current role on 'Divorce Deliberation Camp' allows her to pay forward the understanding and guidance she might have benefited from during her own difficult period.

The actress's story also highlights the importance of partner support during postpartum challenges. While Ryu Soo-young initially worried about his wife's participation in the show, his eventual recognition of its positive impact on their relationship demonstrates the value of open communication about relationship dynamics and personal growth.

For international fans following Korean entertainment, Park Ha-sun's openness provides insight into the pressures and expectations facing Korean mothers, while also showcasing the evolving conversation around mental health and parenting in Korean society. Her willingness to discuss these topics publicly contributes to breaking down stigmas and encouraging other mothers to seek support when needed.

As 'Divorce Deliberation Camp' continues to air every Thursday at 10:10 PM, Park Ha-sun's role as both counselor and fellow parent offers viewers a unique perspective on relationship challenges and solutions. Her journey from struggling new mother to confident advisor demonstrates that current difficulties don't define future possibilities, providing hope for families facing their own challenges.