Jung Woo-sung Apologizes for Fathering Child Out of Wedlock

South Korean actor Jung Woo-sung has faced backlash after it was revealed he fathered a child with model Moon Ga-bi, who recently announced her motherhood without disclosing the father's identity. Jung, 51, apologized publicly for the situation, emphasizing his commitment to fulfill his parental responsibilities despite declining to marry Moon, which many critics labeled as 'irresponsible' in a society with strong stigmas against unmarried parents. This incident has reignited discussions about family structures in South Korea, where only 4.7% of births occur outside of marriage, one of the lowest rates in developed countries. Critics have drawn parallels between the stigma faced by children of unmarried mothers and that experienced by refugees, pointing out Jung's prior advocacy for refugee rights. Lawmaker Lee So-young has called for greater acceptance of diverse family forms, highlighting the unique realities of modern society. Jung's past reputation as a scandal-free celebrity adds to the intensity of the public's response to this revelation.