Will this be a new Korean drama series based on a true story?
A heartwarming reunion between a Filipino policeman and his Korean mother has captured the attention of many after a video of the emotional moment went viral. Officer Julius Manalo, who goes by the username @julioenforcer on TikTok, shared his touching story of finally reconnecting with his mom after 31 years of searching.
Manalo, who was separated from his mother at the age of six, shared that he was taken to the Philippines by his father under the pretense of visiting the United States. He was told that they would return to Korea after two weeks, but this never happened. Since then, he has spent decades longing to reunite with his mother.
The reunion was made possible through the efforts of the Korean television network TV Chosun, which took five months to locate his mother. In his TikTok post, Manalo described the overwhelming emotions he felt when he embraced his mom for the first time since childhood.
“Pagyakap ko, nawala lahat ng pagkatao ko, kung ano ako ngayon sa Pilipinas. Parang bumalik ako, ‘yung isip kp, ‘yung katawan ko, ‘yung pakiramdam ko, lahat, noong six years old ako. Feeling ko talaga naging bata ako,” he said.
Netizens have flooded the comments section of his TikTok videos, expressing support and admiration for Manalo’s perseverance. The reunion highlights the power of media in bridging long-lost families and the emotional impact of reunions after years of separation.
Manalo’s story has resonated with many, particularly in the Filipino and Korean communities, where migration and transnational families are common. His story is a testament to the enduring bond between parent and child, despite time and distance.
