Son Yeon-jae Nearly Becomes Department Store Thief: 'Had a Baby and Lost My Brain Too - This Isn't Funny'

The Chaotic Day That Nearly Made Son Yeon-jae a Criminal

Former national rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae recently shared one of her most embarrassing moments as a new mother, revealing how pregnancy brain nearly turned her into an accidental shoplifter. On June 26th, she uploaded a vlog titled 'Don't Look for Me... Son Yeon-jae's Dreamlike 3-Hour Outing' on her YouTube channel, giving fans an unfiltered look at the realities of motherhood.

The incident occurred during what was supposed to be a simple shopping trip to Galleria Department Store with a friend. After months of being confined to baby care duties, Son Yeon-jae had finally secured a few precious hours of freedom thanks to her mother's help with childcare. What should have been a relaxing outing quickly turned into a comedy of errors that left her questioning her own mental state.

The day started with typical new mom chaos - Son Yeon-jae had to rush through her morning routine, feed her 15-month-old son, and deal with the usual mess that comes with having a toddler. She admitted that both her mental state and her house were in complete disarray, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable day.

From Luxury to Reality: The Unfiltered Truth About Celebrity Motherhood

What makes Son Yeon-jae's story particularly relatable is how it contrasts with the typical image of celebrity motherhood. Despite living in a luxurious 7.2 billion won newlywed home in Itaewon and having married a successful financier nine years her senior, she faces the same challenges as any new mother. Her YouTube channel has gained attention precisely because it doesn't showcase a picture-perfect lifestyle but rather the raw, unedited reality of raising a child.

In her vlogs, viewers see Son Yeon-jae getting her hair pulled by her son, lying exhausted on the floor, and dealing with food-covered clothes - a far cry from her elegant days as Korea's 'Gymnastics Fairy.' This authenticity has earned her the nickname 'survival-type YouTuber' among fans who appreciate her honest portrayal of motherhood struggles.

The former Olympian, who competed in both the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics, has successfully transitioned from athletic excellence to entrepreneurial success, running her own rhythmic gymnastics academy. However, her recent foray into YouTube content creation reveals a more vulnerable side that resonates with parents worldwide.

The Department Store Incident: When Pregnancy Brain Strikes

The main event of Son Yeon-jae's chaotic day occurred at Galleria Department Store, where she and her friend went grocery shopping. Initially planning to visit Hyundai Department Store, they discovered it was closed for the day - another example of Son Yeon-jae's scattered mental state, as she admitted she forgot to check the store hours beforehand.

After purchasing various items including ingredients for her husband's favorite dishes, Son Yeon-jae thought she had completed her transaction and began to leave the store. However, a store employee quickly approached her, asking if she had eaten something and pointing out that payment hadn't been processed. The situation became even more embarrassing when it was discovered that she had also left her wallet at the store.

The incident left Son Yeon-jae mortified, and she begged her friend not to film the embarrassing moment. Later, while driving away from the department store, her friend couldn't help but laugh about the situation, noting how ironic it was that Son Yeon-jae had forgotten both to pay and to take her wallet - essentially providing her own alibi for the accidental theft attempt.

The Science Behind 'Pregnancy Brain' and Mom Brain

Son Yeon-jae's experience highlights a phenomenon that many new mothers face but rarely discuss openly. The term 'pregnancy brain' or 'mom brain' refers to the cognitive changes that occur during pregnancy and continue into early motherhood. Research has shown that hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, and the overwhelming nature of caring for a newborn can indeed affect memory and concentration.

When Son Yeon-jae remarked, 'They say when you have a baby, you give birth to your brain too, and that's really true,' she was referencing a common Korean saying that acknowledges this real phenomenon. Studies have found that new mothers often experience temporary changes in brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to memory and executive function.

What makes Son Yeon-jae's admission particularly valuable is how it normalizes these experiences for other mothers. By sharing her embarrassing moment publicly, she's helping to reduce the stigma around the cognitive challenges that come with new motherhood, showing that even successful, accomplished women face these struggles.

Cultural Context: Korean Motherhood Expectations vs Reality

In Korean culture, there's often immense pressure on mothers to maintain perfection in all aspects of life, from appearance to household management. Traditional expectations suggest that mothers should seamlessly balance childcare with other responsibilities while maintaining their pre-baby capabilities. Son Yeon-jae's honest portrayal of her struggles challenges these unrealistic standards.

Her willingness to show her messy house, admit to her forgetfulness, and share embarrassing moments represents a shift in how Korean celebrities present motherhood. Rather than perpetuating the myth of effortless parenting, she's providing a more authentic representation that resonates with real mothers' experiences.

The response from Korean netizens has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising her for her honesty and relatability. Comments on her videos often express gratitude for showing the reality of motherhood rather than a curated, perfect version. This cultural shift toward authenticity in parenting content reflects broader changes in Korean society's approach to mental health and self-care.

From Olympic Glory to YouTube Stardom: Son Yeon-jae's New Chapter

Since retiring from competitive rhythmic gymnastics in 2017, Son Yeon-jae has successfully reinvented herself multiple times. After establishing her gymnastics academy to train the next generation of athletes, she entered into marriage and motherhood, and now she's conquering the digital space with her relatable content.

Her YouTube channel, launched in May 2025, has quickly gained traction with over 2,000 subscribers within the first day and videos reaching tens of thousands of views. The success stems from her decision to focus on 'survival-type parenting vlogs' rather than lifestyle content, setting her apart from other celebrity YouTubers.

Recent videos have included attempts to interview her 15-month-old son, Lee Junyeon (affectionately called 'Mr. Junyeon'), and documentation of her daily parenting struggles. Her approach combines humor with honesty, creating content that entertains while providing comfort to other parents facing similar challenges.

The Broader Impact: Changing Perceptions of Celebrity Motherhood

Son Yeon-jae's department store incident and her overall approach to sharing her motherhood journey represents a significant shift in how celebrities in Korea present their personal lives. Traditionally, public figures maintained carefully curated images, especially regarding family life. Her willingness to show vulnerability and imperfection is helping to change societal expectations and reduce pressure on new mothers.

The incident also highlights the importance of understanding and supporting new mothers during their transition period. Son Yeon-jae's experience serves as a reminder that cognitive changes during early motherhood are normal and temporary, not signs of personal failure or inadequacy.

As she continues to document her parenting journey, Son Yeon-jae is likely to influence how other celebrities and public figures approach sharing their personal experiences. Her authentic storytelling provides valuable representation for mothers who often feel isolated in their struggles, proving that even Olympic athletes and successful entrepreneurs face the same challenges when it comes to raising children. The department store incident, while embarrassing at the time, has become a powerful tool for connection and understanding in the parenting community.