[Exclusive]"Beyond appearance, even the heart..." Touching message from Woo Seo-yoon's father, Woo Ji-won [Comprehensive Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

• "At the moment my daughter was called Miss Korea Jin (True), a flood of emotions crossed my mind... As a father, I was deeply moved" "I hope you enjoyed the process more than the result... Proud that you achieved it on your own"

"I know how much effort and contemplation went into what was unseen."

For Woo Ji-won, a former professional basketball player, his daughter Woo Seo-yoon's election as Miss Korea Jin (True) held special meaning. While he had competed fiercely on the court for victory and results above all else, the words he offered his daughter after becoming a father were different. Instead of urging her to do well, he silently watched over her and told her to find meaning in the process rather than just the result.

In an interview with StarNews on the 24th, Woo Ji-won recalled the "70th Miss Korea Selection Contest" held on the 22nd at Seoul Gangnam-gu COEX Auditorium, saying, "The moment Seo-yoon was called Miss Korea Jin, a multitude of emotions crossed my mind. While I felt great joy and gratitude, above all else, as her father, I was deeply moved."

Woo Seo-yoon, hailing from the Seoul·Gyeonggi·Incheon region (Seon), advanced to the finals and emerged victorious among formidable candidates to claim the honor of Jin. Born in 2003, she is Woo Ji-won's eldest daughter and is currently majoring in fine arts at Tufts University in the United States. Her model-like proportions inherited from her tall father, who stands at 191cm, along with her distinctive appearance, also drew significant attention.

The reason Woo Ji-won found his daughter's election even more touching was that he understood the process behind it better than anyone else, more so than the result itself. Having closely watched his daughter prepare for Miss Korea, he knew better than anyone how much contemplation and effort she had put in. Woo Ji-won reflected, "I know exactly how much effort and contemplation Seo-yoon put into unseen places to stand on such a glamorous stage, so the process came to mind before the result."

He too lived fiercely in the world of competition during his basketball career. With excellent shooting skills and a striking appearance, he received much love and was known as the "Crown Prince of the Court," a basketball star who led the so-called "Oppa Army" in the 1990s. Yet, for his daughter, he hoped she would not be overly attached to results.

Woo Ji-won stated, "As a basketball player, I lived for a long time valuing competition and results," but added, "However, with my daughter, I actually told her not to be too attached to the result. Rather than comparing herself with others, I hope she does her best and enjoys the process." He further added, "Actually, as a father, I tried to just watch from the side rather than telling her to do well."

Watching his daughter struggle was not easy for a father. Yet, the more difficult it became, the more he waited for her to achieve things on her own rather than stepping in first. Woo Ji-won confessed, "It hurt my heart to see her struggling, but watching her overcome challenges on her own made me feel very proud."

Therefore, this result of becoming Miss Korea Jin holds meaning beyond a simple title for Woo Ji-won. He viewed it as a precious achievement his daughter earned through her own strength on a new stage and as another beginning yet to unfold. Woo Ji-won said, "I think this result of being Miss Korea Jin is a new beginning for Seo-yoon. Now that she will receive the interest and love of many people, I hope she grows into someone who is beautiful not only in appearance but also in heart."

Above all, what he hopes as a father is that his daughter does not confine or remain within flashy titles.

Woo Ji-won expressed his affectionate feelings for his daughter, saying, "I hope she is remembered not just as 'Miss Korea Jin' but as 'a person named Woo Seo-yoon.' If she becomes someone who can turn the love she received into a positive influence for others, I think there would be nothing more I could ask for as a father. My wish is for her to become beautiful and even stronger."

Woo Seo-yoon appeared on television with her father Woo Ji-won since childhood, making her face known to the public. She has appeared on SBS "Star Junior Show Bungeoppang," JTBC "Yujasik Sangpalja," and tvN "Nest Escape 3." Recently, she received renewed attention through the tvN STORY·E Channel dating variety program "My Baby's Love 2."

Woo Seo-yoon has now stepped onto a new starting line under her own name, surpassing her father's fame. Woo Ji-won hopes that rather than remaining fixed on the result of being Miss Korea Jin, his daughter will grow into an even more solid person based on the experiences gained through the process.

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*This content was translated by AI.