Renowned actress Youn Yuh-jung has revealed that her eldest son came out as gay in 2000.
In a recent interview with an international media outlet ahead of the Hollywood film 'The Wedding Banquet,' Youn shared, "My eldest son came out as gay in 2000."
'The Wedding Banquet,' recently released in North America, is a remake of the 1993 original by Taiwanese director Ang Lee. The film portrays the story of a gay protagonist who enters into a sham marriage due to family pressure. Youn Yuh-jung plays the role of the grandmother of the Korean-American gay protagonist.
When asked if her personal experiences influenced her connection to the character, Youn stated, "My personal life is very closely related to this film. South Korea is a very conservative country, and people rarely come out as gay in public or to their parents. My eldest son is gay, and I shared my experiences with him through this film."
Youn further revealed, "When same-sex marriage was legalized in New York, we held my son's wedding there. It was still a secret in Korea, so the whole family went to New York." She added humorously, "Now, I love my son-in-law even more."
She concluded by saying, "I don't know how this interview will be received in Korea. I hope Korea opens its heart."
Youn Yuh-jung married singer Jo Young-nam in the United States in 1975 and had two sons. After their divorce in 1987, she raised her sons as a single mother.
Reported by Kim Se-ah, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr