"Song Hye-kyo Vividly Recalls Refusing to Advertise for War Criminal Company" Anecdote Shared by Seo Kyung-duk After 14 Years of Connection

Professor Seokyung Deok shared his reflections on the long-standing relationship he has built with actress Song Hye-kyo to promote Korean history, drawing attention by recounting an anecdote about Song refusing a modeling offer from a war crime company.

Professor Seo Kyung-duk (left) and actress Song Hye-kyo. Photo by Professor Seo Kyung-duk's Facebook capture

On the 9th, Professor Seokyung Deok posted on his social media (SNS), "Many of our followers sent me messages last night saying that a photo with Hye-kyo appeared on 'You Quiz on the Block,'" along with the photo. He continued, "I have been very happy to consistently carry out meaningful projects with Hye-kyo over the past 14 years," introducing some of the activities he has done with Song Hye-kyo.

Professor Seokyung Deok stated, "We have donated Korean-language guides to world-renowned museums such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto. Additionally, we have donated Korean-language guides, Hangul signboards, and relief artworks of independence activists to 37 sites of Korean independence movement heritage scattered around the world."

He cited Song Hye-kyo’s greatest strengths as "sincerity" and "consistency," sharing, "A very famous anecdote is when she was offered to be a model for a Chinese advertisement by Mitsubishi Motors, a Japanese war crime company, but she refused because of that reason." He added, "At that time, she said, 'I am doing meaningful work with the professor at Korean independence movement heritage sites, so I think it is only natural,' and that statement still remains vivid in my memory. I believe this sincerity has been the greatest driving force that allowed us to work together consistently for 14 years."

He also said, "This year marks the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation," and added, "We are preparing more meaningful projects together, so please look forward to them."

Previously, in 2016, Song Hye-kyo was offered a large sum to appear in a car advertisement by Mitsubishi, one of the war crime companies, but she refused, saying, "I cannot be a model for a company currently sued for forcibly mobilizing Koreans for labor during World War II." Upon hearing this, a grandmother who was a victim of forced labor sent Song Hye-kyo a handwritten letter of thanks, saying, "It felt as if the big nail stuck in my heart was completely removed. I felt like I could fly away with wings," which became a topic of public attention.