Forensic Expert Yoo Seong-ho: "Lee Dong-wook's Genes Include Koryak Genes" South Korea's 1% Siberian Genes

On the afternoon of the 22nd, forensic scientist Professor Yoo Sung-ho spoke about Lee Dong-wook's genes on SBS entertainment show Lee Dong-wook Wants to Talk ('Wook Talk'). Photo by SBS, screen capture from Lee Dong-wook Wants to Talk.

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Seulgi Kim] Forensic scientist Professor Seongho Yoo explained about Lee Dong-wook's genes.

On the afternoon of the 22nd, forensic scientist Professor Seongho Yoo from Seoul National University appeared as a guest on SBS entertainment show 'Lee Dong-wook Wants to Talk' ('Wook Talk').

In the broadcast, Lee Dong-wook received the results of a DNA test he had requested in advance. The DNA test was conducted by Professor Wanyeong Lee's team at Seoul National University's Department of Forensic Medicine.

The 'Wook Talk' PD had requested the genetic test together with Lee Dong-wook beforehand, and it was revealed that both Lee Dong-wook and the PD had typical Korean genes on their paternal side.

However, the mitochondrial test, which reveals genetic information from the maternal side, showed completely different results between the PD and Lee Dong-wook. Unlike the PD, who had Korean genes, Lee Dong-wook showed genes of the Siberian 'Koryak' people.

Professor Yoo said, "This gene is found in less than 1% of South Koreans. It is a northern lineage gene of the Koryak and Khakas people."

Professor Yoo then spoke about physical age, telling the PD, "Your physical age came out exactly as it is." The PD of 'Wook Talk' is known to be a vegetarian, so this result was surprising as it differed from the common belief that vegetarianism makes one's physical age younger.

Regarding Lee Dong-wook, he said, "The result was different from the production team's expectations, but Lee Dong-wook's physical age came out as 32. Usually, the average modeling shows a 7-year difference, so this is an exceptional case," adding, "It seems that exercising contributed to a good physical age."

Professor Yoo added, "If Mr. Lee Dong-wook undergoes a genetic test with me again in 10 years and still comes out as 32, he would be an actor who never ages throughout his life."