Recently, the news that actor Jung Woo-sung unexpectedly became a father at 51 but refused to marry model Moon Gabi has sent shockwaves through the Asian entertainment industry. The actor is currently facing fierce criticism, as South Korean media continue to report that the actor is dating someone outside the industry, who was unaware of his illegitimate child.
The wave of boycott against Jung Woo-sung is growing due to his having a child out of wedlock, and Hyun Bin has unexpectedly been dragged into the controversy. Jung Woo-sung’s once-stable career, built over nearly three decades, is now in crisis. The focus of public attention is now on two upcoming projects featuring the actor, questioning what steps producers will take to prevent the personal lives of cast members from affecting the hard work of the entire team. Coincidentally, both upcoming projects also star Hyun Bin, who is leading the Hallyu wave.
In 2025, Jung Woo-sung and Hyun Bin will team up in the South Korean drama Made in Korea, set to stream on Disney+. The project, set in the 1970s, tells the story of Baek Ki Tae (played by Hyun Bin) and prosecutor Jang Geon Young (played by Jung Woo-sung), both men obsessed with ambition and power. The show, a 6-episode period drama in the action-crime genre, has generated excitement since its announcement. However, the news about Jung Woo-sung has now led to concerns among fans and netizens, who are urging him to voluntarily withdraw from the project or for the producers to pause the contract to avoid damaging the film’s success.
Meanwhile, Hyun Bin, who is unrelated to the controversy, finds himself caught in the fallout, especially since Made in Korea is an important project for him. This drama marks his return to television after five years, following the immense success of Crash Landing on You in 2020.
Hyun Bin is also starring in the upcoming film Harbin, set to release in December, in which Jung Woo-sung will make a special guest appearance. However, as Jung Woo-sung’s involvement in the film is still shrouded in mystery, public opinion is already concerned that the actor’s scandal could affect the film’s reception.
Previously, Jung Woo-sung was praised as the box-office king after attracting 13 million viewers with 12.12 The Day, further cementing his reputation and status in the industry. However, everything turned upside down when the news of his illegitimate child emerged. With the growing criticism, the public is eagerly waiting for the producers of Harbin to address the situation. In the worst-case scenario, if Jung Woo-sung remains part of the project, the film could face a boycott, as no one may want to watch a film with a star embroiled in controversy.
