[K-Star-News] Youn Yuh-jung Reveals Her Son's Coming Out for the First Time: “I Love My Son-in-Law Even More”
Acclaimed Korean actress Youn Yuh-jung has made a deeply personal and emotional revelation that is resonating around the world. In a recent interview with international media ahead of the release of her new Hollywood film The Wedding Banquet, Youn shared that her eldest son is gay — a truth she had kept private for over two decades.
“My eldest son came out in 2000.”
Youn stated, “My first son came out as gay in 2000. When same-sex marriage became legal in New York, we held his wedding there.” She then added with a chuckle, “Now I love my son-in-law even more than my son.”
This heartfelt admission has touched many, particularly in Korea, where LGBTQ+ issues are still considered taboo in some circles. Her openness not only shows her love for her family, but also marks a courageous stance in a traditionally conservative society.
Her personal connection to the role
In The Wedding Banquet, Youn plays a grandmother whose grandchild is gay. When asked whether her own family experiences influenced her decision to take on the role, she openly confirmed it was one of the reasons for accepting the part.
“Korea is still a very conservative country,” Youn said. “That’s why this role holds such personal meaning for me. Parents of gay children often face many challenges in our culture. I’ve been there.”
She went on to share that one of the most powerful lines in the film — when the grandmother tells her grandson, “Whoever you are, you’re still my grandson” — is actually based on something she personally said to her son. She collaborated with the director to include it in the script, hoping it would offer comfort and strength to others.
About The Wedding Banquet
The film is a modern remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 classic of the same name, reimagined by Korean-American director Andrew Ahn. It tells the story of two gay immigrants in the U.S. who plan a fake wedding to appease their traditional families, resulting in unexpected chaos and heartwarming discoveries.
The cast includes Youn Yuh-jung, Ki Chan Han, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, and Joan Chen — a blend of talents from Hollywood and Asia, making it a true global project. Notably, this is Youn’s first international film since winning the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Minari.
A seasoned actress with a sense of humor
During the interview, Youn was also asked about the differences between filming in Korea and abroad. She joked, “In Korea, I’ve worked for 60 years and everyone knows me. They know I don’t like to do more than three takes. I once told Minari producer Douglas Seok, ‘Your friend is killing me!’”
Apparently, her words had an impact — the producer brought her some delicious rice cakes to apologize, and kept the takes to three or fewer from then on.
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