Actor Jung Woo-sung, once hailed as a timeless romantic icon in Korean cinema, is now facing intense public backlash after his appearance on MBC’s Point of Omniscient Interfere (전지적 참견 시점) aired on December 27. The episode showed the actor engaging in light-hearted “flirting” with comedian Lee Young-ja, sharing intense eye contact and playful banter that was clearly intended for variety show entertainment.
However, this seemingly harmless scene struck a nerve with viewers due to Jung’s ongoing personal controversies.
In November last year, Jung Woo-sung was thrust into the spotlight after it was revealed he had fathered a child out of wedlock with model Moon Gabi. While he acknowledged paternity and promised to take responsibility as a father, many felt the burden of the situation fell unfairly on Moon Ga bi. Netizens pointed out that she had to endure hate comments and edited images, eventually shutting down her comment section and voicing her emotional distress.
The controversy deepened when it was recently confirmed that Jung Woo-sung had legally registered his marriage—not with Moon Gabi, but with another non-celebrity woman. This revelation came as a shock to the public and raised ethical concerns, especially about his timing and perceived disregard for Moon Gabi’s situation.
Against this backdrop, his playful behavior with Lee Young-ja has been widely criticized as “tone-deaf” and “irresponsible.” While some defend the moment as harmless variety show content, others accuse the actor of trying to soften his image or distract from his scandals.
Online reactions include:
- “Does he think flirting on TV will fix his image?”
- “I feel bad for Lee Young-ja. She didn’t ask to be used like this.”
- “He lacks self-awareness. This isn’t the time to joke around on TV.”
Some even suggested that Lee Young-ja, a respected variety veteran, was placed in an awkward position, sparking further anger over how female entertainers are often caught in the crossfire of male celebrities’ scandals.
The once-adored star is now being urged by viewers to be more aware of public sentiment and to take a more thoughtful approach in managing his public appearances. As criticism mounts, questions remain about whether his variety show choices are helping or hurting his career.
In the age of social media and heightened scrutiny, viewers are making it clear: “Reality and entertainment may be separate—but you can’t ignore context.”
Sources: Daum