Jung Woo-sung Expresses His Conviction on the 'Refugee Issue' "This Level of Voice Should Be Raised in a Democratic Country"

Attendance at the Founding Anniversary Talk Concert of Legal Public Interest Group Now

"A democracy is a country where various voices exist. I think it is important that there are people who raise voices to this extent in society, and that is why I am working with this mindset."

Actor Jung Woo-sung attending the talk concert "Refugees and Living Together" during the 10th anniversary event of the legal public interest group Now, sharing his experiences related to refugee activities.
Photo by Yonhap News

Actor Jung Woo-sung (photo) made these remarks on the 4th at the talk concert "Refugees and a World Living Together," held at the Taepyeong Hall in the Seoul City Hall Citizen's Hall during the 10th anniversary event of the legal public interest group Now.

He explained, "The word 'refugee' refers to a situation of urgent crisis where help is needed," adding, "Right now, today, our families are living happily, but if war or other events occur, anyone can become a refugee at any time."

He continued, "Not everything I do is desirable and just," but said, "It is upsetting that some people put negative meanings into this word and use it with other stories attached."

He then introduced cases of refugees he met in various countries, pointing out that there are many prejudices and biases against refugees.

He emphasized, "There is a misunderstanding that because the economic situation is difficult now, refugees are just using it as an excuse to settle in a better country," and added, "Just as people who have to leave due to conflicts in Korea naturally want to return, the ultimate goal of refugees is to go back home."

Furthermore, he said, "Refugees are ashamed even while receiving minimal protection and support," and added, "They try to support their families by engaging in economic activities with their own abilities."

He also pointed out, "Resolving issues related to war inevitably involves politics," and said, "When discussing problems in certain regions, it can become more complicated due to conflicting interests." He then expressed, "The focus should be on protecting the victims."

Jung Woo-sung began his role as an Honorary Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2014 and has been active as a Goodwill Ambassador since the following year, continuing his work for refugees for 10 years.

In 2018, amid the controversy over Yemeni refugees in Jeju, he posted a message on social media on "World Refugee Day" asking people to "become hope for refugees through understanding and solidarity," which led to fierce criticism from some netizens opposing refugee support. However, even after the controversy, he has consistently raised his voice on refugee issues.

Meanwhile, the film Spring in Seoul, starring Jung Woo-sung, is currently a hit, attracting over 4.6 million viewers within 12 days of its release. The film depicts the military coup by the new military forces led by Chun Doo-hwan in December 1979. In this work, Jung Woo-sung plays Lee Tae-shin, the Capital Security Commander who tries to protect Seoul against the forces of Security Commander Jeon Doo-kwang (played by Hwang Jung-min).

It became a hot topic that director Kim Sung-soo sent Jung Woo-sung a video of his interviews on refugee issues as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, suggesting it as a reference for portraying Lee Tae-shin.