Son Tae Young's move to New Jersey was spurred by public backlash and family needs.
- Son Tae Young relocated for family support and a peaceful environment.
- Public backlash followed a 2018 awards incident involving her children.
- The move reflects challenges faced by celebrities in maintaining family life.
In 2020, actress Son Tae Young and her two children moved to New Jersey, a decision influenced by intense public backlash she experienced in 2018. Speaking on comedian Hong Jin Kyung’s YouTube show, Son Tae Young explained that the move was also motivated by her husband, actor Kwon Sang Woo’s wish for their children to grow up surrounded by nature. The transition was eased by the fact that her older sister was already living in the U.S., providing family support.
The controversy that prompted her departure began at the 2018 Melon Music Awards, where Son Tae Young’s son and niece were seated among the artists while she presented an award. Fans criticized her for what they perceived as preferential treatment. Son Tae Young defended her decision, stating she had no one else to watch the children and was unaware the seats were meant exclusively for artists.
“A staff writer told us the seats were empty and said it was okay to sit there,” she recalled. “I finished my work and went home. The next day, it blew up and was trending on real-time searches.” Kwon Sang Woo added that their young son didn’t even recognize the performers, but the situation was framed publicly as special treatment.
Son Tae Young Reflects on Relocation and Ongoing Public Backlash Pressures
The incident had a profound impact on Son Tae Young, leading her to feel alienated from the Korean entertainment industry. “I felt like I didn’t belong here. I need to leave,” she said, describing her initial decision to relocate quickly to avoid further scrutiny. She admitted that living alone in the U.S. was challenging, but having her husband by her side provided comfort.
Recently revisiting the story sparked renewed debate online. Some viewers criticized the couple for failing to acknowledge the situation, while others defended them, emphasizing the innocence of the children. The episode underscores the pressures faced by public figures in Korea and the delicate balance between family responsibilities and celebrity expectations.
- Why did Son Tae Young move to New Jersey?
Son Tae Young moved to New Jersey in 2020 due to intense public backlash she experienced in 2018 and her husband's desire for their children to grow up surrounded by nature.
- What controversy led to Son Tae Young's departure from Korea?
The controversy began at the 2018 Melon Music Awards when Son Tae Young's son and niece were seated among artists while she presented an award, leading to accusations of preferential treatment.
- How did Son Tae Young justify her decision to seat her children among artists?
Son Tae Young stated that a staff writer informed her that the seats were empty and it was okay for her children to sit there, and she was unaware the seats were meant exclusively for artists.
- What impact did the controversy have on Son Tae Young?
The controversy led Son Tae Young to feel alienated from the Korean entertainment industry, prompting her to decide to leave Korea to avoid further scrutiny.
- How did Son Tae Young's family support her during the transition?
Son Tae Young's transition to the U.S. was eased by the fact that her older sister was already living there, providing family support.
- What has been the public reaction to Son Tae Young's story since her relocation?
Recently, Son Tae Young's story has sparked renewed debate online, with some criticizing the couple for not acknowledging the situation and others defending them, highlighting the innocence of the children.
