"15-Year Same-Sex Partner, 'X' So Cool": 'The King and the Clown' Designer's Unexpected 'LGBTQ+ Identity' Change Sparks Wave of Support [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Park Si-young, the designer behind posters for million-viewer films like 'The King and the Man Who Lives with the King' (hereinafter 'The King and the Man'), has come out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community with a 15-year same-sex partner, sparking widespread discussion.

On the 19th, the designer unexpectedly revealed their same-sex partner of 15 years on Instagram, drawing intense attention from netizens. They also openly shared their experiences with societal prejudice and the real-world barriers faced as an LGBTQ+ individual.

First, the designer stated, "After 15 years of dating, if we set aside age, gender, and social class and just talk from the heart, my heart has been racing all this time. I feel like I'm going crazy with love. Seeing someone like my partner in this world makes me think there must be a God. For this love, I would do anything in the world. If anyone tries to tarnish this love, I would kill them. Is that childish? What can I do? My childish heart is burning with passion."

They continued, "It's so sad that people like me, who love to brag and chatter, can't proudly share their love. This is the best thing I have. You know, the moment we reveal this, we become a spectacle. My partner and I feel like we're handing over what we cherish most to beggars out of curiosity. Whatever, what can we do? I can't hold back today." This candid expression hinted at the inner turmoil they had endured.

The designer also said, "As I've gotten older, legal guardian issues and various practical obstacles have been troubling, but what can we do? We've been dating for 15 years unintentionally because we can't marry, but that's not bad. I am his partner, and I must make him happy. During our relationship, we must keep our hearts burning hot. I am confident. Even at 70, I believe I will be the hottest inspiration of that age! I don't intend to seek permission or understanding for this love. After all, love is something two people share; what use is anyone else's perspective? I simply want to brag about it."

Just as director Jang Hang-jun's 'The King and the Man' broke 16.58 million viewers, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of all time and causing seismic shifts in the Korean film industry, the designer's coming out has sparked a wave of changing perceptions toward the LGBTQ+ community.

Although the designer quickly deleted the post, it spread rapidly across online communities, resonating deeply with netizens. The universal emotions of love were clearly conveyed, stirring widespread empathy. Though framed as a coming out, it was essentially a tribute to a long-term partner, bringing an unexpectedly touching love story into the spotlight.

The person who shared a screenshot of the designer's post wrote, "It's heartwarming to see that after 15 years, they still feel so crazy about each other. I hope the day comes when both can legally take responsibility for one another."

Netizens also expressed support with comments such as "Touching. I wish you happiness," "Beyond gender, this is such a wonderful love. I'm envious," "Wow, 15 years, it's like a movie," "The love in your hearts shines through so beautifully," "Both the post and photos are so beautiful," "You two are perfect together. Just be happy," "So great. Even though reality is bitter, it's so romantic. I want a love like this. Ah, truly 'X' cool," "It's so envious and romantic to still have such a burning love after 15 years," "If that isn't love, then what is? I wish you happiness in the future," "What a beautiful love," "This is true love spanning 15 years," "Meeting someone you truly love seems like a great fortune. It seems you understand how precious that is and cherish it. I hope you remain happy for a long, long time."

After deleting the post, the designer shared on Instagram Stories, "I deleted it quickly for privacy. The waves were just too strong today, so I got excited and let my feelings run wild."

Park Si-young first gained recognition in 2006 for designing the poster for the film 'The Unjust'. The following year, they established Studio Bitnaneun. As the top designer in the Korean film industry, they have created posters for numerous films, including 'The King and the Man', Bong Joon-ho's 'Mother', Na Hong-jin's 'The Wailing', Han Jae-rim's 'The Face Reader', Kim Yong-hwa's 'Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days', Lee Hae-young's 'The Drug King', Woo Min-ho's 'Namsan's Managers', 'The Fall: Director's Cut', and next month's 'COLONY' by director Yeon Sang-ho.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.