The reason behind actor Jung Woo Sung's notable step back from advertising deals last year sparked curiosity after the recent scandal revealed him as the biological father of model Moon Gabi's son.

On November 25, distribution industry insiders disclosed that Jung Woo Sung has not signed any advertising contracts since his last one with NHN HANGAME in 2022.

In July this year, the actor also stepped down from his role as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), a position he held for nine years since 2015.
Industry insiders say that Jung Woo Sung did not show much interest in pocketing advertising deals even after the success of the 2023 film '12.12: THE DAY', the first movie in his career that garnered over ten million audiences.

"Words are that Jung Woo Sung's name came up as a candidate for several advertising campaigns, but the actor turned down the offers.", an insider revealed.

In 2017, Jung Woo Sung was the face of several high-profile advertisements, including WeMakePrice, Pernod Ricard Korea, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance's Direct Car Insurance, and Giordano.

The actor endorsed Lotte Hi-Mart in 2019 and Paldo's Paldo Bibimmyeon in 2021.
With the recent revelation, some speculate that Jung Woo Sung may have been reluctant to sign endorsement deals, given that his son's existence could be revealed to the public at any moment.

Celebrities may face a penalty several times their contract fee or a few months' worth of advertising fees if they break the morals clause in their advertising contract, which requires them to uphold their image and avoid actions that could tarnish it.

On November 24, Jung Woo Sung's agency, Artist Company, made an official statement confirming that the child Moon Gabi revealed on her social media account is Jung Woo Sung's biological son.

"The two have been in talks to find the best way to raise the child. Jung Woo Sung will do his best to fulfill his fatherly duty all through.", the agency said.
Jung Woo Sung's agency also stated, "We cannot confirm any details concerning the artist's privacy, including the timing of the childbirth, the nature of the relationship between Moon Gabi and Jung Woo Sung, or any possible marriage plans."

According to news outlet Dispatch's exclusive report released on the same day, Jung Woo Sung and Moon Gabi first met at a gathering in 2022.

Moon Gabi conceived Jung Woo Sung's child in June last year and welcomed a baby boy in March this year.

The report mentioned that Jung Woo Sung expressed joy when he found out about the pregnancy and promised to take responsibility for the child's upbringing.
(Credit= 'iamchocobi' Instagram, SBS Entertainment News/Baik Seung-chul, 'unhcrkorea' YouTube)

(SBS Star)