Daesung opened up about his future plans and changing perspectives on life during a candid conversation on The Man’s Travel Method in Kyushu, giving viewers a rare glimpse into his long-term outlook.
In the third episode of the SBS Plus program, which aired on May 5, Daesung spent time alongside Choo Sung-hoon and Kim Jong-kook without the presence of the production crew, allowing for a more personal and reflective atmosphere. As the three shared thoughts during a quiet evening, the conversation naturally shifted toward age, life goals, and how their perspectives have evolved over time.

Choo Sung-hoon posed a simple but thought-provoking question to Daesung: how old he would be in 20 years. After calculating that he would be around 55 or 56, Daesung was met with an unexpected response — “That’s perfect.” The remark seemed to prompt deeper reflection, leading Daesung to share a surprising aspiration. He revealed that around that stage of life, he would actually like to have a child, a statement that contrasted with the more conventional expectation of settling down earlier.
The comment highlighted just how much his mindset has changed over the years. Daesung admitted that when he was younger, he had always assumed he would retire before the age of 40. At the time, it seemed like a natural endpoint for a career in entertainment, especially given the physical and mental demands of the industry.
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However, as he explained, that perspective no longer feels realistic — or even desirable. He pointed out that societal views on age and work have shifted significantly, with many people now remaining active well into their 50s and 60s. Rather than seeing 50 as a time to slow down, Daesung described it as a period where individuals often have the most balance: strong enough physically, experienced enough professionally, and financially stable enough to enjoy life.
Kim Jong-kook quickly related to this shift in thinking, noting that he once believed he would also step away from his career by 40. Their shared experience underscored a broader generational realization — that earlier expectations about aging and retirement no longer align with modern realities.

At the same time, the conversation also touched on the growing gap between generations. Choo Sung-hoon observed that younger people today tend to think very differently about life paths and priorities. Daesung agreed, acknowledging that these differences are increasingly noticeable. Kim Jong-kook added that such a gap is inevitable, as each generation is shaped by its own circumstances and values.
The discussion ultimately painted a picture of three public figures navigating not just their careers, but also their identities in a changing world. For Daesung, in particular, the idea of starting a family later in life and continuing to work beyond previously imagined limits reflects a more flexible and evolving approach to the future.

Rather than adhering to rigid timelines, he appears to be embracing the idea that life’s milestones can happen at any stage. His reflections offered a relatable message to viewers: that plans made in youth don’t always define the path ahead — and sometimes, the most meaningful goals emerge later, shaped by experience and a broader understanding of what it means to live well.