Singer Jo Young-nam. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Singer Jo Young-nam is facing fierce criticism after his ex-wife Youn Yuh-jung, whom he divorced, referred to her Academy Award win as "the best revenge against unfaithful men" in an interview.
Lee Seok-won, a member of the group 'Unniene Barber Shop' and a writer, posted on his blog on the 26th, saying, "As you get older, you should know when to step in and when to step back," and criticized, "I don't understand the reporters who asked the ex-husband, whom she divorced 34 years ago, for his thoughts, but I really don't know what the person who quickly added comments there was thinking."
Lee Seok-won wrote, "Even the words she said are outrageous, claiming that Youn Yuh-jung's Academy Award win is 'the best blow to an unfaithful person like me.' What can we do with this person's ego bigger than the Pacific Ocean?"
He mocked, "Revenge is only meaningful when the other person still holds some significance inside me, even if just a tiny bit. I don't understand why the public has to endure the pathetic ego of this old man on such a good day."
Jang Sung-chul, director of the Sympathy and Debate Policy Center, also pointed out on Channel A broadcast on the 27th, "I found Mr. Jo Young-nam's remarks quite unpleasant to hear. His story about his own infidelity is not something we need to listen to with interest," and criticized, "To belittle it as revenge against himself for his infidelity is a reckless and inappropriate comment."
After news of Youn Yuh-jung's Academy Award win was reported the previous day, Jo Young-nam said in a media interview, "I am not qualified," but added, "It is joyful news as if it were my own, and something to be greatly congratulated."
He said, "People say it's not good for me to mention (Youn Yuh-jung) and view it negatively, so I am cautious, which is true," but also uttered remarks such as, "Isn't this the best cool blow, revenge against unfaithful men? As the person who was unfaithful, I will be more careful from now on," and "I am thankful that she did not date another man."
Previously, Jo Young-nam married Youn Yuh-jung in 1974, had two sons, and divorced in 1987.
On the 20th, Jo Young-nam expressed regret about the divorce from Youn Yuh-jung, saying, "I had an affair and divorced. I don't understand why I had an affair while having children," and showed willingness to apologize.
Youn Yuh-jung won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as Soon-ja in the film 'Minari' at the 93rd Academy Awards held in Los Angeles, USA, on the morning of the 26th (afternoon of the 25th local time). This is the first for a Korean actor and the second for an Asian actor.
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