Jung Woo-sung returns to public stage at Buil Film Awards after year of controversy

Actor Jung Woo-sung speaks at the Buil Film Awards in Busan on Thursday. Xportsnews

Actor Jung Woo-sung made his first official public appearance in a year, attending the 34th Buil Film Awards handprinting ceremony in Busan on Thursday.

Held at Signiel Busan in Haeundae District, the event marked Jung’s return to the spotlight following personal controversies that drew public attention last year.

Wearing a black double-breasted suit and sporting a trimmed beard, the actor projected a classic look, complemented by his swept-back hairstyle.

Jung also took the stage as a presenter alongside Kim Geum-soon. “Whether I am presenting or receiving, standing on the stage of a film award ceremony is always nerve-racking,” he said. “I don’t think this pleasant sense of excitement will ever stop until the day I quit acting.”

He then handed the trophy to Lee Byung-hun, who won best actor for “The Match,” and offered his congratulations.

He briefly mentioned his upcoming Disney+ series “Made in Korea,” which is set to premiere in December, noting that “it is difficult to explain in a few words.”

Jung won Best Actor at last year’s ceremony for his performance in “12.12: The Day,” directed by Kim Sung-su, a box-office hit that surpassed 10 million admissions.

Jung, who had been out of the public eye for some time, drew all eyes when he appeared again at an official event. Last year, he acknowledged the existence of a child with model Moon Ga-bi.

Adding to his recent headlines, Jung registered his marriage last month with a longtime partner he has dated for more than a decade. Known within entertainment circles, she was said to be close enough to join double dates with Jung’s longtime friend, actor Lee Jung-jae, and Im Se-ryung, vice chair of Daesang Group.

Actor Jung Woo-sung poses with his handprint frame at the Buil Film Awards in Busan, Thursday. Xportsnews

Jung has also recently been named the new brand model for Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb, completing filming for its latest campaign.

This article from the Xportsnews is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.