“I’ve never even worn a bikini”... Quadruplet mother Bowon shares the heavy burden of parenting

Born against the slim odds of 1 in 700,000, quadruplets have changed the lives of Bowon and her family. As a mother of five, Bowon describes her daily life as a constant battle. Featured on KBS's 'Screening Humanity,' the family's story moves past the glamorous image of large families to reveal the realistic hardships one mother must endure and the collective effort of a family working together to manage the load.

“As soon as I turn around, it’s time to cook”... The relentless mealtime routine for five children

For this family, the day begins and ends with meal preparation. In the footage, Bowon manages meals by serving rice from a large basin, feeding the children one by one. With so many children, maintaining order is a constant struggle. Amidst the chaos of children vying to eat first, Bowon manages the mealtime using just a single spoon.

The end of a meal is immediately followed by a grueling marathon of bathing, cleaning, and diaper changes. Bowon described her relentless routine, saying, “As soon as I turn around, it’s time to cook, and as soon as I turn around again, it’s time to cook again.” The financial burden of food and diaper expenses for five children is also significant. Bowon noted that she previously spent over 1,000,000 won a month on diapers and formula, adding that grocery costs remain a heavy burden today.

“I’ve never worn a bikini”... The physical toll and emotional weight of motherhood

The journey from pregnancy to childbirth was far from smooth for Bowon. Carrying quadruplets meant she had to maintain a full-term physical state from her fifth month of pregnancy, facing difficulties so severe she struggled even to sit properly. There were even moments when she required medical injections due to malnutrition.

Beyond the physical strain, Bowon struggled with the sense of loss regarding her changing body. “I’m in my early thirties and I want to be pretty. I’ve never even worn a bikini once in my life,” she confessed, tearfully expressing the regret she feels when facing the physical changes caused by multiple pregnancies. Her candid admission highlights the personal sacrifices often faced by mothers of large families.

“Not coming home from work, but going to work”... Husband Song Il’s dedicated support

Amidst the exhaustion of childcare, Bowon’s husband, Song Il, serves as her greatest source of strength. Rather than resting after his professional duties, Song Il immediately transitions to the front lines of parenting. He takes charge of bathing the children, dressing them, and putting them to sleep at night.

“It feels like my husband hasn't finished work, but has instead gone to work as a helper,” Bowon said, adding that her husband’s dedication to the family after a full day at the office makes him “greater than me.” Thanks to Song Il’s devotion, Bowon is able to share the weight of parenting and maintain the family's daily life.