[Sportschosun Lee Ji-hyun] As a recent glimpse of Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon surfaced for the first time in a while, photos of his much-grown children have also been revealed for the first time, drawing attention.
Photos of Bae Yong-joon with his family at Singapore Changi Airport and on a Disney Cruise Line have recently spread across online communities and social media. In the released images, Bae is seen pulling a suitcase, while children believed to be his daughter and son walk side by side.
In particular, the public reveal of the children is highly unusual. Until now, Bae Yong-joon and Park Soo-jin had kept not only their children's faces but also their daily lives strictly private. Netizens responded with comments such as, "Has it already grown that much?" "Bae Yong-joon is completely a dad now," and "It is nice to see a family trip like this."
In the photos, Bae Yong-joon looked less like a glamorous star and more like an ordinary father taking care of his family. He drew attention by walking in step with his children and carrying their luggage himself, showing a warm, attentive side as a dad. His daughter walked alongside him, while his son, wearing a backpack, strode along confidently and showed how much he has grown.
Bae also took charge of the heavy bags after getting off the cruise, personally carrying them for his wife Park Soo-jin and their two children. Witnesses also said Park Soo-jin stayed close by, helping the children and her husband as they moved along.
Bae Yong-joon and Park Soo-jin married in 2015 and have a son born in 2016 and a daughter born in 2018. Since their marriage, the couple has chosen family over entertainment activities. In particular, Bae effectively stopped acting after a special appearance in the 2011 drama "Dream High" and has stayed out of the public eye.
The couple is reportedly living in Hawaii after relocating there. Last year, their recent life also drew attention when a family photo was posted on the website of a prestigious private school in Hawaii attended by their children. Even then, the two were noticed as parents who actively took part in school events and educational activities.
This trip to Singapore was also said to be a family-centered schedule for their children. The Bae family reportedly used a Disney-themed cruise, and local witnesses also said they enjoyed the trip with actress Park Shin-hye and Choi Tae-joon's family.
Bae Yong-joon, who once sparked a Hallyu wave across Asia, including Japan, with "Winter Sonata," is now focusing more on family life than on show business. Even in this long-awaited update, it is his gentle image as a father carefully caring for his children, rather than his star glamour, that stands out most.
olzllovely@sportschosun.com
