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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-11-26 08:40:46
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Yonhap) -- Veteran actor Jung Woo-sung has recently found himself at the center of public scrutiny, risking his long-standing public admiration in Korea’s tumultuous entertainment industry,
Earlier this week, the 51-year-old actor acknowledged being the father of a son born to 35-year-old model Moon Ga-bi, 16 years his junior.
Despite shifting societal attitudes toward extramarital births, Jung’s gentlemanly image has been a defining aspect of his career, making this revelation a significant blow to his reputation.
◇ Marriage "No," Child "Yes"… A Growing Theme in Media
In the past, having a child out of wedlock was considered a fatal scandal in the entertainment industry. A notable case from a decade ago involved singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong. In 2014, his ex-girlfriend gave birth to a child later confirmed to be his through a paternity test conducted by Seoul National University’s forensic lab.
Although Kim resumed his career in late 2017 and returned as the lead actor in the 2018 KBS drama When Time Stopped, he never regained his former popularity.
Changing attitudes toward traditional family structures can, in part, be attributed to figures like broadcaster Sayuri (Fujita Sayuri). In 2020, Sayuri gave birth to her son Zen using donated sperm in Japan, becoming an advocate for single motherhood by choice. Her appearance on KBS’s parenting reality show The Return of Superman in 2021 sparked discussions about alternative family models in South Korea.
More recently, stories about children born out of wedlock have appeared in entertainment programs. Actor Kim Yong-gun, at 75, welcomed a child with a girlfriend 39 years his junior in 2021. Despite initially opposing the pregnancy, Kim reconciled with his partner and registered the child in his family registry. He later spoke openly about his parenting experiences on shows like Super-Dad is Back.
◇ "Conservative Underpinnings Persist in Korean Society"
Even with these changes, Jung Woo-sung’s long-cultivated image as a dignified and upright celebrity makes public reactions to his revelation deeply divided.
Online comments range from progressive views such as “Marriage shouldn’t be a necessity” and “In an era of declining birthrates, we should embrace diverse family forms,” to criticism like “Is this Hollywood?” and “I’m disappointed.”
The news has also prompted further discussion of Jung’s private life. Reports surfaced that he has been in a relationship with a non-celebrity for over a year, sparking debate after photos allegedly showing him with another woman circulated online. His agency declined to comment, citing privacy.
Experts believe Jung’s image has been damaged, but stress that his future actions will determine public sentiment.
Cultural critic Ha Jae-geun observed, “Korea remains quite conservative about issues like extramarital relationships. Given Jung’s previously spotless image, public disappointment is substantial. There’s an expectation that, as a father, he will shoulder responsibilities beyond financial support.”
Another cultural critic Jeong Deok-hyun noted, “While extramarital births are rare in Korea’s entertainment industry, they are more common in Hollywood, with figures like Hugh Grant, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Nicolas Cage setting examples. However, even in Korea, cases like Sayuri’s show growing acceptance of non-traditional family models. If Jung demonstrates responsible behavior, public opinion could shift in his favor.”
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