Hong Seok-cheon on daughter's marriage: 'He's not my style, but he's good to the elders'

Entertainer Hong Seok-cheon has offered an honest assessment of his future son-in-law ahead of the marriage of his eldest daughter, whom he adopted and raised. Amidst his signature witty delivery, the deep emotions of a guardian who has long taken responsibility for his children were clearly evident.

Appearing on MBN's 'Dongchimi' on the 5th, Hong revealed, "My eldest has turned 30, and I was a bit flustered to hear she is getting married," adding, "We recently completed the formal meeting between the families."

His evaluation of the fiancé was equally blunt. Hong drew laughter by saying, "He's not my style, but he is very good to the elders. I have a sharp eye for men," a remark that simultaneously revealed a father's tension regarding his daughter's partner and the characteristic humor honed through years in broadcasting.

Hong's family history carries a social significance that differs from typical adoption narratives. In 2008, he adopted the two children of his older sister, who had divorced, and has raised them himself. At the time, the decision was made because the children needed a stable legal guardian.

On the show, Hong explained, "At a time when I had no intention of marrying, I registered them on my family registry because the children needed a legal guardian." It was a choice to take full legal responsibility, moving beyond simply living together as a family.

He also shared the realistic concerns he faced during that process. Hong stated, "I was worried that the children might face difficulties at school because of me, so I never once attended their entrance or graduation ceremonies." This highlights his fear that his celebrity status might act as a burden to his children.

This vulnerability contrasts with the flamboyant and candid image Hong has maintained on television. Having entered the entertainment industry through the 1995 KBS University Comedy Festival, he has since expanded his career as an actor, entertainer, and restaurateur. Notably, since disclosing his sexual identity, he has been a pivotal figure in prompting social discussions regarding sexual minorities and diverse family structures in Korean popular culture.

For him, accepting these children as family meant more than just a change in legal status. It was a process of building a family through legal responsibility, care, protection, and attachment, transcending the traditional concept of family defined solely by blood ties.

His confession that he refrained from attending official school events to protect the children from unwanted scrutiny shows how he prioritized his role as a parent. Although he chose a profession that puts his life in the public eye, he hoped his fame would not become a weight for his children to carry.

Now, that daughter has turned 30 and is preparing for marriage. The fact that the child who once required legal protection has become an adult starting her own family is bound to be deeply moving for Hong.

Hong's joke that the fiancé "is not my style" while noting he is "good to the elders" can be understood in this context. Ultimately, his most important criterion for his daughter's spouse is not personal preference, but how the man treats her.

While celebrity family news often attracts attention, this announcement is significant for more than just fame. It marks a milestone for a man who has long protected his children from social prejudice, now watching his adult daughter step into her own life.

For Hong, this marriage is more than just "the wedding of an adopted daughter." It is the culmination of the many sacrifices and years spent taking responsibility for the family he chose. Behind the joke "He's not my style," lies a father's true wish for his daughter to build a happy home.