Youn Yuh-jung, the trailblazing Korean actress who made history by winning the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Minari in 2021, has shared heartfelt details about her personal life, including her son’s same-sex marriage and her warm relationship with her son-in-law. The 77-year-old star, known for her candidness, discussed these personal moments while promoting her latest project, The Wedding Banquet, a remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 classic.
In the film, Youn plays a grandmother navigating family dynamics involving LGBTQ+ relationships—a role that resonated deeply with her real-life experiences. She revealed that her son came out as gay years ago and later married his partner, whom she adores.
“I have a son who is gay, and he got married. I love my son-in-law—maybe more than my son,” Youn said with her characteristic humor during an interview. Her openness about her family challenges traditional norms in South Korea, where LGBTQ+ rights remain a contentious topic.
A Groundbreaking Career and Personal Life
Youn’s career spans over five decades, with iconic roles in Korean cinema and television. Her Oscar win for Minari marked a historic moment as the first Korean actress to achieve this honor. Beyond her professional achievements, she has often been vocal about personal struggles, including her divorce in the 1980s and raising two sons as a single mother in the U.S. .
Her latest role in The Wedding Banquet—a story about a gay couple’s elaborate scheme to placate their families—mirrors her own journey of acceptance. Director Andrew Ahn cast Youn specifically for her ability to convey deep emotion and authenticity.
“The script was well-written, and the story felt universal. Love is love, and family is family,” Youn remarked about the project .
Read More News:
Fan Reaction
Youn’s comments have sparked conversations in South Korea, where LGBTQ+ issues are rarely discussed openly by public figures. Netizens praised her for normalizing same-sex relationships in a conservative society.
One fan wrote online, “Youn Yuh-jung is proof that progress starts at home. Her love for her son and son-in-law is beautiful.” Others noted how her honesty aligns with her fearless on-screen persona .
Despite occasional backlash, Youn remains unfazed. She emphasized that her priority has always been her children’s happiness. “I don’t care what others think. My son is happy, and that’s enough for me,” she said .
Upcoming Projects
Youn continues to break barriers in entertainment. After Minari and the Apple TV+ series Pachinko, her role in The Wedding Banquet further cements her status as a versatile actor unafraid of challenging roles.
Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ acceptance, though unintentional, adds to her legacy as a cultural icon. As she often says, “Life is too short to live by others’ rules” .
Also Read: BTS V Earns Military Police Excellence Award and Top Honors in Training Despite Physical Injuries
Credits: SCMP, NBC News, AP News
