Youn Yuh-jung to Attend Busan Film Festival for 'Newly Love' Premiere Post Son's Wedding Announcement

Veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung is set to make her first public appearance in Korea following the announcement of her son's same-sex wedding. She will attend the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).

Youn will be present at the festival, held at the Busan Cinema Center, to meet with audiences and the press as the lead actress of the film 'Newly Love.' She will be joined by director Andrew Ahn and co-star Han Ki-chan.

'Newly Love' is a comedy about the unexpected events that unfold when a grandmother with sharp intuition gets involved in the fake marriage plans of two gay couples. This film is a modern remake of the 1993 work of the same name, directed by Korean-American Andrew Ahn.

The film is particularly anticipated as Youn's latest international project after her acclaimed roles in 'Minari' and the Apple TV+ series 'Pachinko.' In her previous works, she portrayed heartwarming K-grandmothers in immigrant families, and in 'Newly Love,' she is expected to deliver a different kind of touching performance by embracing her LGBTQ+ grandchild.

Adding to the intrigue, 'Newly Love' draws significant attention for incorporating Youn's personal experiences. Her eldest son came out as gay and had a wedding ceremony in New York, where same-sex marriage is legal. This personal connection has sparked curiosity about how Youn's own acceptance of her son's identity is reflected in the film.

In interviews with American entertainment media prior to the film's release, Youn revealed that her eldest son came out in 2000 and that she hosted his wedding in New York when same-sex marriage became legal there. She also shared that the line in the film, 'You are my grandson,' spoken to her coming-out grandson, comes directly from her own life.

While acknowledging the conservative atmosphere in Korea regarding LGBTQ+ issues, Youn expressed unwavering support for her son and his husband, stating, 'I love my son-in-law more than my son now.' Her candid remarks have resonated deeply, even moving broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon to tears on a television program.

Youn Yuh-jung, a revered actress, began her career in 1966 and has since become a cornerstone of Korean cinema and television. Her profound acting prowess has earned her numerous accolades both domestically and internationally. Her Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress in 'Minari' solidified her status as a global acting icon.