"Korea Is Conservative, Needs to Move Forward Like the US"... Youn Yuhjung's Candid Remarks on Her Eldest Son's Same-Sex Marriage

Attends "Wedding Reception" Press Conference at Busan International Film Festival
"Korea is still conservative... In the end, we are all just human"

Actress Youn Yuhjung, who publicly revealed her eldest son's same-sex marriage, shared her candid views on the perception of sexual minorities in Korean society.

On September 19, Youn Yuhjung attended the press conference for "Wedding Reception," an invited film in the "World Cinema" section of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, held at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan.

During the event, Youn Yuhjung stated, "Whether heterosexual or homosexual, everyone is equal, and in the end, we are all just human." She continued, "Korea is still conservative. I know this well, having lived for 79 years," and emphasized, "Korea also needs to move forward a bit more, like the United States."

Previously, in an interview with local media during the North American release in April, Youn Yuhjung revealed that her eldest son came out in 2000 and held a same-sex wedding in New York in 2011. Notably, same-sex marriage was legalized in New York in 2011.

Actor Youn Yuhjung attending the press conference for the "Wedding Reception" at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) held on the 19th at the Busan Cinema Center in Haeundae-gu, Busan. Photo by Yonhap News

At that time, she remarked, "Since it was still a secret in Korea, our entire family went to New York for the wedding, and now, I even like my son-in-law more than my son," drawing significant attention.

"Wedding Reception," directed by Andrew Ahn, is a remake of the 1993 film of the same name by Taiwanese director Ang Lee. The film comically portrays the story of a same-sex couple who plan a sham marriage for permanent residency and the families surrounding them.

Youn Yuhjung plays the role of Jayoung, a grandmother who embraces her grandson despite discrimination and prejudice. She explained, "At first, I was offered the role of the mother, but after hearing that the other actor was in his twenties, I personally suggested to the director that I play the grandmother," sharing the background of her decision to join the project.

She also added, "The reason I choose independent films is because I can have deep conversations with the director," and "I shared many experiences as a parent with director Andrew Ahn as well."

This year's Busan International Film Festival opened on September 17 and runs until the 26th, featuring 328 films from 64 countries. "Wedding Reception" is scheduled for domestic release on the 24th.