Actor Jung Woo Sung has made his first public appearance since acknowledging that he fathered a child with model Moon Ga-bi, an announcement that caused a stir late last year.
As per Xports News, the actor was seen in Beijing on April 3, 2025, alongside fellow actor Lee Jung-jae and popular Chinese actress Zhou Dongyu.
Their trip, which involved meetings with some of China's top entertainment figures, has since generated a new wave of media attention.
Jung and Lee were in Beijing meeting with one of the country's largest tech conglomerates and its entertainment division, and it was understood to have discussed possible areas of collaboration, such as film.
Footage of the two actors entering a building together quickly went viral on Chinese social media, adding to the intrigue surrounding their visit.
Adding to the buzz, Jung and Lee were later seen with Zhou at a cigar bar, a casual outing that generated considerable online speculation.
Their appearance is Jung's first public sighting since he confirmed in November 2024 he is the father of a child with Moon, who had previously kept her relationship with Jung private until the child's birth.
The intense media attention and speculation about Jung and Moons' relationship started when Jung admitted his romance only two days after Moon announced the birth.
The actor's agency referred to the matter as "private," but it did little to quell the public's curiosity.
In response to the intense scrutiny, Jung addressed the issue publicly at the 45th Blue Dragon Film Awards, stating, "I will accept and bear all criticism.
And as a father, I will take full responsibility for my son until the end."
Public sentiment has been mixed. Others praised Jung for owning up; others slammed for the opacity surrounding the situation.
After the public outcry, interest in Jung's life persists and his recent appearance in Beijing implies that he is moving on within his personal and professional life.
The timing of Jung's visit also comes amid growing speculation about a potential loosening of China's long-standing Hallyu ban, which had restricted the export of Korean pop culture to China for several years.
The presence of both Jung and Lee, two of Korea's top stars, at a high-profile meeting with Chinese entertainment leaders has fueled rumors that the ban may be easing.
In an interview earlier this year, Lee Jung-jae, who has worked with Jung on multiple projects, commented on the actor's situation, revealing that their work schedules had prevented them from meeting up recently.
"Because of filming, we haven't met much lately. But once his regional filming wraps up and my overseas promotions end, we'll meet up,"
Lee said in reference to their close friendship.
Jung's high-profile appearance in Beijing is his first since the public revelation of his private life, and it highlights his determination to move past the controversy while continuing to engage with the entertainment industry at a global level.
