Jong Sung Ban

His Story

Childhood Memories

Jong Sung's journey through childhood was marked by unforgettable moments. In the first grade, his world brightened when his dad brought home a large white dog named King. Jong Sung adored King, a vast contrast to his previous dog, Suny, who had a penchant for biting. King's calm and affectionate nature won Jong Sung's heart, though his rooftop howling became a daily habit, drawing complaints from the neighbors. Heartbreak struck when he returned home one day to discover that his dad had sold King. He grieved for days but found solace when King returned, now owned by someone with a fierce reputation. Strangely, King remained gentle only with Jong Sung, striking fear in others. Regrettably, Jong Sung could only care for King for six months. Looking back, he realized the deep bond he shared with King, a source of both love and sadness.

His childhood dreams

In elementary school, Jong Sung's dreams shifted like a kaleidoscope. First, he aspired to be a scientist, fueled by the desire for success and visions of building cars and airplanes. Later, he aimed to become a soccer player, inspired by the renowned player Cha Dong Gun. He played soccer with fervor, even to the point of disheveled clothes, and his admiration for Cha Dong Gun was unwavering. Middle school kindled aspirations to become a "sunjang," attracted by the image of boat captains, pipe-smoking and all, leading massive vessels. In high school, he set his sights on becoming a "jojungsa" of a plane, following in his brother's footsteps.

What did happiness mean to him as a kid

Jong Sung also treasures the family trips he embarked on. Whether it was a day at the pool or a fun picnic, these outings left a lasting imprint. A trip to the swimming pool with family, filled with delicious food and water games, especially stands out. The excitement of playing water volleyball, even if it led to aching muscles, remains a vivid memory. Sledding down slides into the pool and playing with family members brought joy. He even fondly recalls a renowned waterpark, Penung Poorundongsang, which had garnered attention on television. Such outings were a source of happiness in his childhood, since not all kids could experience the same due to financial constraints.