Jung Woo-sung Makes Directorial Debut with “A Man of Reason”. (Image courtesy of Ace Maker Movie Works)
SEOUL, Nov. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – Actor Jung Woo-sung (51) has made headlines following the revelation that he is the father of a son born out of wedlock to model Moon Ga-bi (35). Despite the child’s birth, the two were not in a relationship, and reports suggest that Moon sought marriage, which Jung firmly opposed, igniting public debate.
Legal experts speculate that Jung’s decision to avoid marriage may stem from concerns over Korea’s stringent divorce-related asset division laws. High-profile divorce cases in Korea often result in significant financial settlements.
A recent example is soccer star Kim Min-jae, who reportedly paid over ₩8 billion in asset division following his divorce after 4.5 years of marriage.
Attorney Ahn Se-hoon commented on his YouTube channel, “Jung Woo-sung’s choice reflects two paths: marriage with full responsibility or providing child support without marriage. While the former is socially applauded, it also entails substantial financial risks under Korea’s asset division rules.”
Ahn noted that in cases where marriages last five years, the wealthier spouse might part with up to 30% of their assets, and this can increase to 50% after 10 years. “If Jung’s estimated wealth of ₩60 billion were considered, he could face asset divisions exceeding ₩10 billion,” Ahn explained.
By comparison, child support payments are significantly lower, with Korea’s guidelines capping monthly support at approximately ₩3 million, regardless of income.
Model Moon Ga-bi (left) and actor Jung Woo-sung. (Yonhap)
Moon Ga-bi confirmed her son’s birth on social media last week, expressing her desire to embrace life as a “healthy and happy mother.” She refrained from commenting on the father’s identity, but a subsequent report by Dispatch identified Jung as the father, a claim his agency later confirmed.
Jung’s agency stated, “The child is indeed Jung Woo-sung’s, and he will fulfill his responsibilities as a father. However, marriage is not part of the arrangement, and personal details about their relationship will remain private.”
Moon and Jung reportedly met in 2022 and maintained a casual acquaintance. Moon became pregnant in June 2023 and gave birth in March 2024. While Jung is said to have supported her during the pregnancy, including naming the child and contributing to postnatal expenses, the two never formalized their relationship.
This case has reignited discussions about Korea’s evolving views on marriage and parenthood, particularly among the wealthy. Asset division laws are seen as a deterrent to marriage for high-net-worth individuals, with some opting for alternatives to safeguard their financial security.
Asset division laws are seen as a deterrent to marriage for high-net-worth individuals, with some opting for alternatives to safeguard their financial security. (Image courtesy of Pix4free/CCL)
In Korea, divorce settlements consider contributions to the marital estate, including non-financial contributions such as domestic work. Yet, the lack of precise legal standards for division ratios leaves significant discretion to family courts, often resulting in wide variability in rulings.
As societal attitudes shift, Jung’s decision and the surrounding debate underscore broader questions about the future of marriage and family structures in Korea.
Meanwhile, supporters of actor Jung Woo-sung have voiced their backing in light of his recent confirmation as the father of a child born out of wedlock, emphasizing the need for a more open-minded approach in Korean society.
In a public statement on Monday, fans expressed confidence in Jung’s character and endorsed his agency’s assurance that he would “do his utmost as a father.” The statement read, “We trust Jung Woo-sung’s steadfast resolve and fully support his commitment to his child.”
Drawing parallels to international examples, fans highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world’s greatest football players, who acknowledged his son, Cristiano Jr., born during his relationship with model Irina Shayk. After DNA testing confirmed Ronaldo as the father, he took full responsibility, setting a precedent for nontraditional family dynamics.
Fans hope that this moment sparks broader societal reflection in Korea. “Just as Ronaldo’s case was widely accepted, we hope this incident encourages Korea to embrace open-minded perspectives, paving the way for growth in our cultural and social norms,” the statement concluded.
The incident has catalyzed conversations about evolving family structures and parenthood in Korea, with many seeing it as an opportunity to challenge traditional expectations and foster inclusivity.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
