'Divorce Camp' professor Lee Ho Seon says the hardest moment as a counselor is when one of her clients passes away

Professor Lee Ho Seon, a psychologist and communication expert appearing on 'Divorce Camp' as a couples counselor, recalled her hardest moments as a counselor. 

On the May 28 broadcast of MBC’s 'Radio Star,' a special episode titled 'No-Nonsense Unnies (or older sisters)' featured guests Lee Kyung Sil, Choi Yeo Jin, Lee Ho Seon, and Sayuri.

Lee Ho Seon, a veteran counselor, is a psychological counseling expert and the director of the Korea Senior Counseling Center. For decades, she has been facing concerns from a wide range of generations and social classes. Whether on TV, at lectures, or in actual counseling sessions, she has consistently shared real-life stories that arise at life’s turning points and connected with the public.

Lee Ho Seon said, “The most difficult situation in counseling is when a client passes away. That’s happened to me about three times. Clients who were already struggling with depression sometimes hit new low points and find it hard to endure.”

She added, “In those times, I couldn’t eat for two months. I received psychiatric treatment and took medication. I still regret it. I sometimes think, ‘If only I hadn’t said that...’” She continued, “In situations like that, sometimes my own problems get projected onto the counseling process. To manage that, I also seek out education or counseling for myself. The words I hear the most during those times are, ‘It’s not your fault.’” At that point, Professor Lee was overcome with emotion and shed tears.

Eventually, she wiped her tears with a tissue and managed to compose herself.

Trying to lighten the mood, Lee Ho Seon said, “There are also many funny moments in counseling,” and went on to say, “Some people try to show off their fitness by doing handstands or breakdancing in front of me. Counseling sessions can feel like a circus sometimes. But my job is to experience others’ pain with them, and that deepens my empathy.”

Meanwhile, Lee Ho Seon appeared on JTBC’s 'Divorce Camp' as the couples’ psychological counselor. When the late Kang Ji Yong and his wife Lee Da Eun appeared on the show, Lee Ho Seon served as a mediator between them and offered guidance for their future.

The late Kang Ji Yong was selected by the Pohang Steelers in the 2009 K-League draft and made his debut as a professional footballer.

After playing three years with Pohang, he transferred to Busan I-Park in 2012. He went on to play for Bucheon FC, Gangwon FC, Incheon United, and Gimpo FC before retiring after the 2022 season.

In February, he appeared on 'Divorce Camp,' where he shared updates on his life. At the time, Kang Ji Yong was working at a chemical manufacturing plant and revealed conflicts with his wife over financial issues. He also confessed that his parents had taken his lifetime earnings and never given them back, and that his older brother had taken his own life.

Following news of Kang Ji Yong’s death, Professor Lee Ho Seon mourned him by posting, “I remember someone who lived fiercely and kindly, who left us so tragically. I pray for his family who are left behind. At the end of tears, I pray for hope. RIP.”