South Korean A-lister, 51, sparks debate after revealing he’s the daddy of a 35-year-old mannequin’s child – however claims he ‘by no means cherished her’
A South Korean A-lister has divided opinion after revealing that he is the father of a model’s baby – but reportedly insisting he ‘never loved her’ and making no plans to marry.
Jung Woo-sung, 51, known for his prowess in blockbusters, crime thrillers and romances alike, sparked debate after announcing that he will co-parent with 35-year-old Moon Ga-bi, however allegedly clarifying that they never had a ‘romantic’ relationship.
The news shocked the nation, prompting criticism that the beloved star – who first met the mother of his child in 2022 – was ‘careless with his image’.
In November, Moon took to Instagram to share that she had given birth, in a candid post.
Alongside a sweet black and white snap of her and a newborn’s hand, she wrote: ‘I was such a poor to-be-mom with nothing prepared…
‘Although I am still not fully prepared for the arrival of a child into the world, seeing this child who fills my heart with love just by existing, regardless of my shortcomings, makes me want to become a healthy mother filled with love and happiness rather than perfection.
‘I made a promise, and as a mother, I sincerely hoped that what I could give my child was a healthy and happy life filled with complete love.
‘This little one who gave me a new world. Step by step, step by step I’ll see. Be healthy and happy to all.’
A South Korean A-lister (pictured) has divided opinion after revealing that he is the father of a model’s baby – but reportedly insisting he ‘never loved her’ and making no plans to marry
Jung Woo-sung, 51, known for his prowess in blockbusters, crime thrillers and romances alike, sparked debate after announcing that he will co-parent with 35-year-old Moon Ga-bi (pictured), however allegedly clarifying that they never had a ‘romantic’ relationship
In November, Moon took to Instagram to share that she had given birth, in a candid post. Pictured with her baby
Two days later, Jung – in a statement through his agency – revealed that he is the father.
According to Soompi, it read: ‘It’s true that actor Jung Woo Sung is the biological father of the child that Moon Gabi revealed on social media.
‘He is currently in the process of discussing the best possible avenues for childcare, and as a father, he will take full responsibility for the child until the end.’
The nation has since been reeling over the ‘scandal’, with some claiming it showed a lack of responsibility for the child on Jung’s part.
More recently, speaking on Korean channel tvN, journalist An Jin Yong – according to a translation from outlet Newsis – said the pair have said they do not ‘love each other’.
It is understood the sentiment comes from reports from acquaintances and sources.
‘According to what I’ve heard, the two have never dated. In other words, they have never loved each other,’ he said.
‘They said they do not love each other, so they will not get married. That is why there was a difference of opinion in revealing their relationship.’
Two days later, Jung – in a statement through his agency – revealed that he is the father. Pictured in March
Meanwhile, Moon has been a successful model after winning the 2011 Miss World Bikini competition
The broadcast also appeared to suggest that when Jung was with Moon, he was not in a relationship.
Reporters claimed that ‘Jung Woo Sung met Moon Ga Bi during a brief break from his long-term relationship’ and that ‘his long-term girlfriend is also aware of Moon Ga Bi’.
It has garnered some disdain online, with some claiming they feel ‘bad for the child’.
As translated by Allkpop, one poster said: ‘Imagine growing up knowing you’re the child from a scandal that shook the whole country. How hard must that be?’
Another said: ‘Is he proud that he had a child with a woman he didn’t even love? Stop talking – every time you speak, you dig yourself a deeper hole.’
‘Wow, he’s burying himself alive. Is it something to brag about that he got a woman he didn’t love pregnant?’ a third questioned.
Another remarked that Jung – who had led a relatively scandal-free career – had ‘really made a living off his good-guy image all this time’.
However, others have remarked that marriage should not be pressured.
Journalist Kim Ji Hyun, speaking on tvN – said: ‘Regardless of the specifics, marriage cannot be forced. Jung Woo Sung’s responsibilities lie in parenting, not marriage.
‘Imposing moral judgments on such personal matters crosses boundaries. What’s crucial now is ensuring that the child is raised responsibly. It’s also important to note that when Jung Woo Sung met Moon Ga Bi, he was reportedly not in a relationship.’
As reported by the BBC, traditionally conservative views about having a child outside of marriage appear to be changing in South Korea.
According to the outlet, a recent survey found that 37 per cent of people in the country found it acceptable to have a child outside marriage, which is a 15 per cent increase since 2012.
At the beginning of the month, Jung made his first public appearance since the news broke as he attended the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards in Seoul.
According to Koreaboo , she rose to prominence after appearing on a variety show in 2016. However, she appeared to cease work after 2020, only making sporadic social media appearances since
The actor – who has recently starred in the flick 12.12: The Day – was there to present the award for Most Popular Film.
‘I stand here today, alongside everyone involved in film 12.12: The Day, hoping that my personal matters will not leave a stain on the film,’ he said, as per Korea JoongAng Daily.
‘I also want to sincerely apologize for disappointing everyone who has shown me love and support. I will accept all the criticism and carry it with me. As a father, I will take full responsibility for my son until the very end.’
The BBC also recounted that there have been high profile opinion pieces on the topic, and one politician has even come out to defend Jung.
Lee So-young of the Democratic Party of Korea said that ‘deciding to live with someone is a deeply personal and existential choice’.
‘To assume that simply having a child obligates people to marry and take on the duties of cohabitation and mutual support feels suffocating,’ she penned on social media
‘Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being “normal”… [But] even if society appears to have a standard of ‘normal’, every life is unique in its own way.
‘Perhaps a better society is one that accepts and respects such differences without judgment.’
Jung was in 2014 made the first Korean UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, a role he resigned from this year.
He made his start in film in the 90s and rose to international renown, along with close friend Lee Jung-jae (the protagonist of Netflix hit Squid Game).
The actor continued to find success across several genres, and racked up several accolades.
Meanwhile, Moon has been a successful model after winning the 2011 Miss World Bikini competition.
According to Koreaboo, she rose to prominence after appearing on a variety show in 2016. However, she appeared to cease work after 2020, only making sporadic social media appearances since.
