Actor Jung Woo-sung appears on singer Sung Si-kyung's YouTube channel in November 2023. Captured from Sung Si-kyung's YouTube channel

Actor Jung Woo-sung, 51, confirmed that he is the father of model Moon Ga-bi's newborn son, drawing renewed attention to a past interview where he spoke candidly about marriage during Moon's pregnancy.

On Monday, various online communities revisited a video of Jung appearing on singer Sung Si-kyung's YouTube channel in November last year.

According to online media outlet Dispatch, Moon informed Jung of her pregnancy in June 2023 and gave birth to their son in March 2024, which would mean that the show was aired while she was pregnant.

In the show, Sung asked Jung why he had not married, to which Jung replied, "It's not that I didn't get married, but that I couldn't. I missed the right timing."

Reflecting on his past experiences, he said, "I was the first actor to openly admit having a girlfriend. Is it wrong for actors or celebrities to have someone by their side because of their fame? I think it's a pity for us entertainers."

Jung and Moon reportedly met at a gathering in 2022. After learning about Moon's pregnancy, Jung discussed postpartum care and financial support with her.

However, sources revealed that the two were not in a relationship with marriage in mind and instead agreed to co-parent while maintaining their independent lives.

Actor Jung Woo-sung has confirmed that he is the father of Moon Ga-bi's recently revealed son. Courtesy of Artist Company, captured from her social media

Jung will make his first public appearance since the news of his fatherhood at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards this coming Friday, Nov. 29.

The event, held at KBS Hall in Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, will see Jung attend as a nominee for Best Actor for his role as Lee Tae-shin in the film "Spring in Seoul."

If Jung takes home the award, all eyes will be on his acceptance speech to see if he addresses his recent paternity confirmation.

Even if he does not win, his participation in the red carpet and scheduled interviews could be an opportunity for him to comment on the matter.

Jung's agency, Artist Company, confirmed on Sunday, "The child Moon Ga-bi revealed on social media is indeed Jung Woo-sung's biological child. Discussions are ongoing to decide the best approach to parenting, and Jung will fulfill his responsibilities as a father."

Moon had announced the birth of her child on her social media account last Friday, sharing a photo of herself holding her newborn.

In the post, she wrote, "As a new mother, I've found the courage to pursue a life of ordinary happiness. When the unexpected news came, I wasn't prepared for it. Instead of fully celebrating the joy of pregnancy, I spent most of the time quietly with my family's blessings, focusing entirely on the baby to come."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.