Actor Kwon Oh-joong‘s only son, Hyuk-jun, has shared a heartwarming and inspiring update on his life as a successful artist.
On the 15th, Kwon Oh-joong and his wife, Um Yoon-kyung, shared an emotional message for their son. They wrote, ‘Our beloved son Hyuk-jun, you have truly become artist Jun. Wherever you are and in whatever time you find yourself, we hope you overflow with unstoppable happiness. You are never alone. Never forget that mom and dad’s love is always right there with you.’ They continued, ‘We pray from the deepest parts of our souls that this mother’s desperate wish reaches you, and we love you endlessly, artist Hyuk-jun.’
They also expressed their gratitude to an overseas collector who pre-ordered the piece ‘Sunflowers,’ marking the artwork’s first move abroad.
Photos and videos revealed scenes from Hyuk-jun’s exhibition at the 19th Bank Art Fair, where his unique artistic world and vivid colors captured significant attention. Furthermore, on the 10th, he won an award in the Western-style painting category at the 2026 Korea Entertainment Awards. Hyuk-jun took the stage directly with his father, Kwon Oh-joong, to receive his plaque and shared a brief, touching acceptance speech.
Previously, Kwon Oh-joong married Um Yoon-kyung, who is six years his senior, in 1996 and welcomed their son. Tragically, Hyuk-jun was born with a rare developmental disabilityβa genetic condition with no known medical name affecting only about 15 people worldwide and just one in South Korea. He also suffered severe school bullying during his youth. Kwon Oh-joong previously broke into tears on a television broadcast while expressing his simple wish for his son to live an ordinary life.
Despite these unimaginable hardships, Hyuk-jun discovered a talent and passion for art. His recent works have garnered enthusiastic responses, leading to overseas exhibition invitations in Seattle and New York, successfully launching his second chapter as a Western-style painter.
