TV Personality Hong Seok Cheon Recalls What It Was Like Coming Out As Gay In Korea 23 Years Ago
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TV personality Hong Seok Cheon is Korea’s first openly gay celebrity who came out during a KBS broadcast recording in 2000. In honor of his 23rd coming out anniversary, he reminisced about the brave decision he made 23 years ago.
Hong Seok Cheon | @tonyhong1004/Instagram On September 26, Hong Seok Cheon posted a picture with a heartfelt message celebrating his 23rd anniversary since coming out.
Oh my. Today is the day I came out 23 years ago on September 26, 2000.
— Hong Seok Cheon
The picture Hong Seok Cheon posted on his Instagram | @tonyhong1004/Instagram Despite people telling him this may be the end of his career, Hong Seok Cheon emphasized that he wanted to live a happy life of truth.
I was 30 years old at the time. I was prepared to die when I came out, and people told me, ‘You’re a successful celebrity who is doing well with lots of money, so why are you coming out? You could lose everything.’ But I just wanted to live happily and didn’t want to lie. And I thought I had nothing to lose because I was at an age where I could start again even if I lost what I had.
— Hong Seok Cheon
| Yonhap News Hong Seok Cheon revealed that he received a lot of criticism and was even kicked out of the broadcasting station where he worked. However, now he can laugh and talk about these painful memories.
I received a lot of insults, even death threats. I was kicked out of the broadcasting station where I was working, and I was afraid to leave my house for a month. My parents and family members cried every day. I thought that if I disappeared from the world, everything would be resolved. But looking back, these moments have become memories that I can laugh and talk about.
— Hong Seok Cheon
| SBS As 2000 was a time when not as many people were open to the discussion of LGBTQ+ topics, Hong Seok Cheon was “canceled” for coming out. Despite going through a tough time, the forerunner gave courage to anyone going through a tough time, saying better days would come.
Even if you’re going through a tough time right now, even if you’re tired and want to run away, if you persevere with positive energy, better days will come. Over the past 33 years, there have been many changes. If I was a small spark, I am satisfied with that.
— Hong Seok Cheon
| eyesmag Although Hong Seok Cheon was shunned in the past, he is now more accepted than he was 23 years ago. Many celebrities support him, such as LE SSERAFIM‘s Sakura calling him a “successful gay” when he said he “became a gay” instead of studying hard like his parents wanted him to.
"YOURE A SUCCESSFUL GAY"
pic.twitter.com/EPr0TZWGTH
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(@elzzupz) April 5, 2023
Here’s the full text of Hong Seok Cheon’s social media post.
Oh my. Today is the day I came out 23 years ago on September 26, 2000. I was 30 years old at the time. I was prepared to die when I came out, and people told me, ‘You’re a successful celebrity who is doing well with lots of money, so why are you coming out? You could lose everything.’ But I just wanted to live happily and didn’t want to lie. And I thought I had nothing to lose because I was at an age where I could start again even if I lost what I had.
I received a lot of insults, even death threats. I was kicked out of the broadcasting station where I was working, and I was afraid to leave my house for a month. My parents and family members cried every day. I thought that if I disappeared from the world, everything would be resolved. But looking back, these moments have become memories that I can laugh and talk about.
Even if you’re going through a tough time right now, even if you’re tired and want to run away, if you persevere with positive energy, better days will come. Over the past 33 years, there have been many changes. If I was a small spark, I am satisfied with that.
Live happily, everyone.
— Hong Seok Cheon
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