[Sports Chosun’s Kim Sohee reporting] Recently, actress Youn Yuh-jung revealed her son’s coming out for the first time, and broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon recalled his own coming out experience.
On the 29th, Hong Seok-cheon shared a photo taken with his parents on his account.
Hong Seok-cheon wrote, “Visited the rural home in Cheongyang, Chungnam as a surprise. I missed my mom and dad, so I went without notice. I am so grateful that the two of them, who are nearly 90 years old, are still healthy enough to be active.”
He continued, “Both have dentures, use hearing aids, wear glasses, and have bent backs, but they smile brightly like children when they see their son’s face,” expressing his affection.
Reflecting on his own experience of coming out, Hong Seok-cheon said, “Thinking back, I realize what a large burden I placed on them. It’s been 25 years since I came out. I was 30 at the time, at the prime of my youth, focusing on my own happiness and life. I came out selfishly, almost causing my parents to collapse.”
He added, “My successful son became the public enemy and target of nationwide witch-hunting overnight. They were worried, felt pity, and were upset. Despite feeling embarrassed in the neighborhood and church, they stayed strong without leaving their usual place. My parents, who have aged, become frail and small, are endlessly lovable to me, and I want to proudly say so.”
Particularly, referencing actress Youn Yuh-jung who recently disclosed her son’s coming out, he said, “I was surprised, moved, and comforted by the news about Youn Yuh-jung. My mom said, ‘Isn’t she alright?’ I guess my mom wasn’t very alright for a long time. Anyway, I must live better. I don’t know how long they’ll be with me, but I should express my love more and say ‘I love you’ more often. I love you, mom and dad. Stay by my side longer. I’ll live well.”
Meanwhile, Youn Yuh-jung drew attention by revealing in a foreign interview on the 18th about her film ‘The Wedding Banquet’ that her eldest son came out as homosexual in 2000 and she had a wedding for him in New York.