Actress Youn Yuh-jung revealed that her eldest son is gay, and Hong Seok-cheon, the first openly gay broadcaster in South Korea, shared his mother's reaction.
On the 29th, Hong Seok-cheon announced on his social media that he had returned to his hometown in Chungcheongnam-do. He added, "I was shocked, moved, and comforted by the news about Youn Yuh-jung," and noted, "My mom said, 'Is she (Youn Yuh-jung) doing okay?"
Recalling his own coming out 25 years ago, Hong Seok-cheon said, "When I think back, I realize how heavy a burden I placed on my parents." He continued, "I selfishly came out only thinking about my happiness and life, almost causing my parents to collapse. Despite being a perfect son, suddenly I became the enemy of the whole nation, a target of abuse, and someone they wanted to see suffer in a witch hunt, yet my mom and dad always silently endured there."
Hong Seok-cheon said, "Anyway, I need to live better," and added, "I don't know how long you will be by my side, but I should express my love more."
On the 18th, Youn Yuh-jung revealed in an interview with an American media outlet, ahead of the release of the Hollywood film "Wedding Banquet," that her eldest son is gay and has married another man. "Wedding Banquet" deals with the turmoil that arises when a gay protagonist, unable to resist the pressure to marry, plans a fake wedding.