While the views on sexuality in Korea are still traditional in many ways, one person who has spent his career breaking down barriers is host Hong Seok Cheon.
Hong Seok Cheon | @tonyhong1004/Instagram
Over the years, he has made the topic of sexuality more accessible in Korea and is an activist in helping LGBTQ+ rights across the country. Through his activities, he is gaining a huge platform to share his message and make the subject less taboo. One actor who gained attention for his behavior with Hong Seok Cheon is popular actor Yoo Teo (also known as Yoo Tae Oh).
Actor Yoo Teo | @teoyoo/Instagram
On an episode of Hong Seok Cheon’s YouTube show, Yoo Teo was the guest and he made no jokes about how the actor is the first star to appear on the show who is already married.
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While Hong Seok Cheon “complained” that he was the first married star, the host made sure that fans didn’t misunderstand. In particular, he pointed out that Yoo Teo’s wife is actually his best friend.
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Toward the end of the show, Hong Seok Cheon asked the actor to pick a gem from his treasure box, and it read a forehead kiss.
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When the two got up to complete the task, as Hong Seok Cheon went in for a cheek kiss, Yoo Teo turned his head and kissed the host on his lips before running away.
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Hilariously, in the ending credits, the only thing on the actor’s mind was how to tell his wife that he kissed her best friend.
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When the clip was shared, netizens loved how comfortable Hong Seok Cheon made guests feel while also loving that Yoo Teo was so secure with his masculinity that he could do it so naturally.
what goes on herepic.twitter.com/xq0TcMCBVS https://t.co/EhnXWx2wkt
— nia saw Monsta X in KL (@odsmisser) January 17, 2024
taeyong’s cousin got to kiss teo yoo……. pic.twitter.com/k0Nv0vj2bs
— sufjan stiffens (@sufjanstiffens) January 16, 2024
he kissed an openly gay man on national tv good for him good for himpic.twitter.com/xq0TcMCBVS
— nia saw Monsta X in KL (@odsmisser) January 17, 2024
Yet, netizens also pointed out that it isn’t Yoo Teo’s first kiss with a man. Last year, he started in the hit K-drama Love To Hate You.
In the show, Yoo Teo plays actor Nam Gang Ho who can’t seem to trust women but has a very close bond with his best friend and manager, Do Won Jun (played by Kim Ji Hoon). During one scene, the two were rehearsing one of the projects Gang Ho was filming, and it was a very romantic moment.
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As things get intense, Gang Ho falls on Won Jun and accidentally kisses him on the lips.
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Which they both find hilarious.
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While it was a small gesture between Yoo Teo and Hong Seok Cheon, it gained attention because of the traditional views of sexuality in Korea. Hong Seok Cheon has worked his whole career to push LGBTQ+ acceptance and continues to break down barriers.