Youn Yuh-jung Opens Up on Korean Conservatism Through 'A Family Affair' Premiere

Veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung has shared her candid thoughts on the conservative nature of Korean society while discussing her latest film, 'A Family Affair,' a movie that supports homosexuality.

At a press conference held at the Busan Cinema Center on the afternoon of the 19th, Youn Yuh-jung, along with director Andrew Ahn and actor Han Ki-chan, met with domestic media. 'A Family Affair' is a comedy that unfolds when a shrewd grandmother gets involved in a fake marriage plan between two gay couples. This marks Youn's third international production and has generated significant anticipation.

Youn revealed that she was initially offered the role of a mother but, feeling the age didn't quite fit, proposed playing the grandmother instead. Regarding her approach to selecting roles, she stated, "When I read a script extensively, I come to understand the character's personality and think about how I want to portray them to embody the role."

Reflecting on her personal experiences, including her son's coming out and his wedding ceremony in the US, Youn previously garnered attention for saying, "I love my son-in-law more than my son now." She expressed her hope that her film would foster a more accepting atmosphere for LGBTQ culture in Korea, asserting, "Both homosexual and heterosexual individuals are equal."

However, Youn also diagnosed Korean society as still being conservative. She added, "It is wrong to categorize people as gay, straight, homosexual, Black, Asian. We are all the same human beings." 'A Family Affair' is set to be officially released in Korea on the 24th.

Youn Yuh-jung, a revered figure in Korean cinema, debuted in 1966 and has since received numerous accolades both domestically and internationally. Her groundbreaking win for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards for 'Minari' made her the first Korean actor to achieve this honor. She continues to be an active presence in the acting world, serving as an inspiration to younger generations.