Child Actor Played Female Role in K-Drama — Where Is He Today?
Seo Woo Jin faced backlash after playing a girl in 2020’s K-Drama Hi Bye, Mama! The controversy began because Seo Woo Jin is a boy in real life yet portrayed Kim Tae Hee’s daughter on screen.
Critics worried this might confuse the young actor about his gender identity. Seo Woo Jin and his mother caught heat over the casting choice.
Soon after, Seo Woo Jin’s mother responded to the criticism to clear things up.
“Anyone who knows this child would understand and say that those who criticize us for gender identity issues are meddling for no good reason. He’s a very masculine boy. He likes to hear that he’s handsome and manly rather than to hear that he’s cute or pretty.”
— Seo Woo Jin’s Mother
Five years on, Seo Woo Jin is 10 years old. The negative comments haven’t stopped his career. He’s appeared in 21 K-Dramas since Hi Bye, Mama! and won two awards for Young Lady and Gentleman.
Seo Woo Jin’s mother shares behind-the-scenes shots from his work in MBC’s The Judge Returns:
When he’s not acting, Seo Woo Jin models children’s clothing on Instagram (managed by his mom) and plays ice hockey.
He’s met idols like BTOB during award events too.
While he hasn’t played a girl again, Seo Woo Jin isn’t shy about dressing up for fun.
Seo Woo Jin seems to be living a fairly normal childhood despite early controversy.
Here’s a look at Seo Woo Jin and Kim Tae Hee together in Hi Bye, Mama!:
