Controversy Arise in K-Drama Hi Bye, Mama!

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After the success of Crash Landing On You, tvN has yet again brought to our homes another hit drama called Hi Bye, Mama! A married woman played by Kim Tae-Hee became a ghost due to a tragic accident 5 years ago. She grabs a chance to become human for 49 days to return to her, now remarried, husband and daughter trying to ease their pain before leaving for good. This drama is very emotional and heartwarming, bringing the viewers into tears. 

However, there is an issue rising of the actor who plays the daughter role. The daughter is actually played by a boy named Seo Woo-Jin. They decided this as he resembled Kim Tae-Hee so much when she was a child.

Seo Woo-Jin a Boy Acting as a Girl

Source: tvN "Hi Bye, Mama!"

Source: tvN "Hi Bye, Mama!"

Kim Tae-Hee is on the left.

In Hi Bye, Mama! Seo Woo-Jin plays a daughter role named Jo Seo-Woo. When this fact was released there was quite an uproar from the audience saying, "It could shake the sexual identity of a child whose values are not yet established" or "It was uncomfortable to know the truth". There was a rather extreme expression, "Isn't the parent and the crew having an adverse effect on the child?"

Source: tvN "Hi Bye, Mama!"

Seo Woo-Jin's mother could not stand it any longer and posted on her Instagram the following message:

INSTAGRAM：@_angel_elijah_

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Woo- Jin smiled with a sense of thrill because it was his last scene for the day. He said, "I nearly cried when the ghost mum wept, but I held it tight!" He switches to Seo-Woo and shares her emotions when acting. Even though he's my son, I get surprised and proud when I see a professional side of him. I told him you can cry if you want. You don't have to hold it in.

I couldn't hold back any longer, so here are few words.

There are many people who are concerned about Woo-Jin's sexual identity. Unlike other kids, at his age, my son is a smart kid that knows exactly what he's doing and why he's acting as a girl. I never forced my son to audition for this part. However, when I got the request I asked for Woo-Jin's opinion first, and he said yes.

For those of you who know Woo-Jin personally would not worry one bit about his sexual identity. He prefers to hear words like "handsome" or "tough man" to "pretty" or "cute". His dream is to become the Hulk because he is strong. The way he plays and talks are as boyish as it can get. Moreover, his dad finished his psychological doctoral course and is currently working as a psychologist. I also majored in psychology, so we know what we are doing as parents.

There are a few people who are spreading negative and false rumours without knowing anything about us. I urge them to stop. I know my son better than anyone, and I love and care for him. Yes, once you know he's a boy acting as a girl, it might become hard to immerse into the plot and I get that. However, to lash out like this is crossing the line. For those of you who support my son, I want to thank you.

I'm sorry that I couldn't reply to your DMs requesting to use my son's photo as a profile picture. If it's not for commercial use and bad intent, you are more than welcome to do so. I'm rather honoured that you guys asked. We will do our best to power through the rest of the shooting. Thank you once again for those of you who support us.

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Source: tvN "Hi Bye, Mama!"

Woo-Jin's mother was evident in her post that no mother would place their child in danger and both his parents know what they are doing. The second half of Hi Bye, Mama! took place and I hope this storm gets passed swiftly so people can enjoy the drama in its fullest.