Top South Korean actress calls #MeToo ‘good pain’
Son Ye-jin says she hopes the campaign will change the outdated male-centered perspective’ about women
By Park Si-soo
#MeToo is all the rage in Korea. Hardly a day has passed in recent weeks without fresh accusations. And the film industry is at the core of the storm.
Multiple award-winning actors and directors, including Kim Ki-duk and Cho Jae-hyun, have crashed from grace with some awaiting investigation over alleged sexual misconduct. The shocking suicide of veteran actor Jo Min-ki, accused of molesting his students, was its culmination, at least so far.
A recent survey hinted that there are many more victims under the surface 62 per cent of 749 actresses, female writers and staff members said they experienced unwanted physical contact from male colleagues.
How far #MeToo will go? And what kind of changes will it bring?
Asked about the issue, popular actress Son Ye-jin did not answer immediately. She paused with her head down and right hand holding her chin. After several seconds, she spoke in a low and serious tone. It was a striking departure from the vivaciousness she showed when greeting this reporter for a recent interview at a cafe in Sogyeok-dong, Seoul.