Actress Youn Yuh Jung has opened up about her eldest son’s sexuality, and her heartfelt words are gaining praise around the world — even a professor from Yale University spoke out to show his respect!
On April 20, Yale psychiatry professor Na Jong Ho posted on Facebook, saying, “If I had to choose the bravest celebrity in Korea, I would say Hong Seok Cheon without hesitation,” referring to the actor who came out as gay in 2000. “Since he came out, no other famous celebrity has followed. That shows how rare and difficult it is.”
Then, he brought up Youn Yuh Jung’s recent interview with foreign media, where she shared, “My eldest son is gay,” and expressed deep respect for her honesty.
Professor Na added, “As Youn said, Korean society is still very conservative. It might not seem like a big deal for people in the U.S., but it takes a lot of courage for someone from that society. That’s why I truly respect her.”
In a recent interview about her upcoming Hollywood film The Wedding Banquet, Youn revealed, “My eldest son came out in 2000. When same-sex marriage became legal in New York, we held his wedding there.”
She explained, “Since it was still a secret in Korea, the whole family went to New York. Now, I even love my son’s husband—my son-in-law—even more.”
She also said her role in The Wedding Banquet was inspired by her real life. “Korea is a very conservative country. People don’t openly talk about being gay, especially not in front of their parents. But because my son is gay, I used my own experiences for this movie.”
Youn added with honesty, “I don’t know how people in Korea will react when I go back. But I hope Korea opens its heart.”
Youn Yuh Jung married singer Jo Young Nam in 1975 and had two sons before divorcing in 1987. She raised them on her own. The son she spoke about graduated from Columbia University and even worked with ABC News.
Her movie The Wedding Banquet is a new version of Ang Lee’s 1993 film, now directed by Korean-American Andrew Ahn. It tells the story of two gay immigrants in the U.S. who plan a fake marriage — leading to a lot of chaos and heartfelt moments.
Youn plays the role of Min’s grandmother. The cast also includes Han Ki Chan, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, and Joan Chen.
Fans and netizens are now cheering Youn for her brave confession and strong support for her son and his husband. Many are saying, “She’s a true queen,” and “This is the kind of love we need to see more of.”
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