A South Korean star has divided opinion after revealing he is the father of a model’s baby, but reportedly insists he “never loved her” and has no plans to marry.
Jung Woo-sung, 51, known for his prowess in blockbusters, crime thrillers and romances, sparked debate after announcing that he will be co-parenting with Moon Ga-bi, 35, however, he reportedly clarified that they never had a ‘romantic’ relationship.
The news shocked the nation and sparked criticism that the beloved star, who met the mother of his child in 2022, was “careless with her image.”
In November, Moon took Instagram to share that she had given birth, in a heartfelt post.
Alongside a sweet black-and-white photo of herself and a newborn’s hand, she wrote: “I was such a poor mom-to-be with nothing prepared…
‘Although I am not yet fully prepared for the arrival of a child into the world, seeing this child who fills my heart with love just by existing, regardless of my flaws, makes me want to become a healthy mother, full of love and happiness in place that perfection.
‘I made a promise and, as a mother, I sincerely hoped that what I could give my son was a healthy, happy life filled with total love.
‘This little one who gave me a new world. Step by step, step by step I’ll see. Stay healthy and happy everyone.’
A South Korean star (pictured) has divided opinion after revealing he is the father of a model’s baby – but reportedly insists he “never loved her” and has no plans to marry.
Jung Woo-sung, 51, known for his prowess in blockbusters, crime thrillers and romances, sparked debate after announcing that he will be a father to Moon Ga-bi, 35 (pictured), however, He supposedly clarified that he never had a ‘romantic’ relationship
In November, Moon took to Instagram to share that she had given birth, in a heartfelt post. In the photo with her baby
Two days later, Jung – in a statement through his agency – revealed that he is the father.
According SoompiIt said: ‘It is true that actor Jung Woo Sung is the biological father of the child Moon Gabi revealed on social media.
“He is currently discussing the best possible avenues for the child’s care and, as a parent, will take full responsibility for the child until the end.”
Since then, the nation has been reeling from the “scandal”, with some claiming it demonstrates a lack of responsibility towards the boy on Jung’s part.
Most recently, speaking on the Korean channel. tvNjournalist An Jin Yong – according to a translation by the outlet news – said the couple has said they don’t ‘love each other’.
The sentiment is understood to come from reports from acquaintances and sources.
‘According to what I’ve heard, the two have never dated. In other words, they have never loved each other,” he said.
‘They said they don’t love each other, that’s why they won’t get married. That’s why there were differences of opinion when it came to revealing their relationship.’
Two days later, Jung – in a statement through his agency – revealed that he is the father. Photographed in March
Meanwhile, Moon has been a successful model after winning the 2011 Miss World Bikini pageant.
The broadcast also seemed to suggest that when Jung was with Moon, he was not in a relationship.
Reporters claimed that “Jung Woo Sung met Moon Ga Bi during a short break from their long-term relationship” and that “his long-time girlfriend also knows Moon Ga Bi.”
It has generated some disdain online, with some claiming they feel “bad for the kid.”
Translated by everythingkpopone sign read: “Imagine growing up knowing that you are the child of a scandal that shook the entire country.” How difficult must that be?
Another said: ‘Are you proud to have had a child with a woman you didn’t even love?’ Stop talking: Every time you talk, you dig yourself a deeper hole.
‘Wow, he’s burying himself alive. Is getting a woman you didn’t love pregnant something to brag about? a third questioned.
Another commented that Jung, who had led a relatively scandal-free career, had ““He really made a living off of his good-guy image all this time.”
However, others have pointed out that marriage should not be pressured.
Journalist Kim Ji Hyun, speaking on tvN, said: ‘Regardless of the details, marriage cannot be forced. Jung Woo Sung’s responsibilities lie in fatherhood, not marriage.
‘Imposing moral judgments on such personal matters crosses borders. The crucial thing now is to ensure that the child is raised responsibly. It’s also important to note that when Jung Woo Sung met Moon Ga Bi, he was supposedly not in a relationship.
As reported by the bbcTraditionally conservative views on having a child out of wedlock appear to be changing in South Korea.
According to the outlet, a recent survey found that 37 percent of people in the country considered it acceptable to have a child outside of marriage, which represents an increase of 15 percent since 2012.
Earlier this month, Jung made his first public appearance since the news broke while attending the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards in Seoul.
According to Koreaboo, he rose to fame after appearing on a variety show in 2016. However, he appeared to stop working after 2020 and has only made sporadic appearances on social media since then.
The actor, who recently starred in the film 12.12: The Day, was there to present the award for most popular film.
“I’m here today, along with everyone involved in the movie 12.12: The Day, hoping that my personal issues don’t leave a stain on the movie,” he said, according to JoongAng Korean Newspaper.
‘I also want to sincerely apologize for disappointing everyone who has shown me love and support. I will accept all criticism and take it with me. “As a father, I will take full responsibility for my son until the end.”
He bbc He also said there have been high-profile op-eds on the topic, and one politician even came out to defend Jung.
Lee So-young of the Democratic Party of Korea said that “deciding to live with someone is a deeply personal and existential choice.”
“Assuming that the simple fact of having a child forces people to get married and assume the duties of coexistence and mutual support is suffocating,” he wrote on social networks.
‘Of course, there is nothing wrong with being “normal”… (But) even if society seems to have a standard of “normal”, each life is unique in its own way.
“Perhaps a better society is one that accepts and respects such differences without judging them.”
In 2014, Jung was appointed the first UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador to Korea, a position he resigned from this year.
He started in films in the ’90s and rose to international fame, along with his close friend Lee Jung-jae (the star of the Netflix hit, Squid Game).
The actor continued to achieve success in various genres and racked up several accolades.
Meanwhile, Moon has been a successful model after winning the 2011 Miss World Bikini pageant.
According coreabooHe rose to fame after appearing on a variety show in 2016. However, he appeared to stop working after 2020 and has only made sporadic appearances on social media since then.