From Nate:

Hong Seok-cheon Receives Letter From Nephews That Moves Him To Tears, Says “I Did Not Want To Be A Burden To Them”

TV personality Hong Seok-cheon received a letter from his nephews that moved him to tears.

On the February 4th episode of SBS’ Healing Camp, Hong, Korea’s ‘#1 coming out celebrity’, talked about several stories related to his coming out.

Hong told the MC a story about his two nephews, saying, “My second older sister is divorced and my two nephews were adopted [by her].” The nephews, who are studying abroad in the Philippines, had sent Hong a letter.

Through tears, Hong showed the letter his nephews had written to him. It read, “Some of our friends are also going through a hard time, just like you, uncle, and they look to you for courage and confidence and wanted to thank you for that. We hope you continue to give hope to and inspire people. Uncle, don’t ever think you’re alone, because you are part of the Hong family; if you ever feel lonely, don’t give up.”

Hong said, “At first, I thought I was a burden to my nephews. When I first came out to the public, it did not go well…but the younger people have been much more understanding. I didn’t want my nephews to be ashamed of their uncle.”

Comments from Nate:

neut****:

Yesterday, in a spur-of-the-moment decision, I went into an Itaewon store and was startled to see [Hong] there. Cheerfully, he said hello to me, and we introduced ourselves to each other. He, and people like him, are good people – when do they get to be happy?

fink****:

If [a right] does not infringe upon others’ rights, people should be free to that right!

soon****

I’m not gay, but I do know it’s not wrong to be gay.

krew****:

I’m really glad I tuned in today to watch this. Hong, and people like him, deserve respect…I think homosexuality is at least understood in today’s society. Hang in there, Mr. Hong!

jhgf****:

That’s really cool. I’m rooting for you, Hong!

cnrq****:

Today’s show made me cry…his life must have been really difficult. Hong Seok-cheon, I hope you live a long and good life. I’ll be cheering you on!

schs****:

Hong, you were already a wonderful uncle! Hwaiting!~

wltl****:

People are so ignorant towards homosexuals. You have straight people who go to brothels, have one night stands, and are generally dirty people, so isn’t true that straight people are “dirty”? Of course not ;;, so let’s not condemn all gay people.

scrs****:

Hong Seok-cheon bro!!! Do your best. I think a lot more people will understand you after today ^^ I hope you are always in good health and smiling!

sson****:

Can you think of anything cooler than that? I’m really happy for him.

myst****:

His nephews were raised well. Hehe

wowc****:

I think Hong is a really nice guy and you can see he is telling the truth.

kims****:

I don’t know anyone who’s gay, but I do have something to say to one: Hong Seok-cheon! Though most people are heterosexual, there’s nothing wrong with being different! I think you are a great and brave person. I hope you find your love and happiness.

j—****:

You know, it’s a real shame he came out so late in life – he had to endure that pain alone for so long. We should thank Hong for making us more understanding. Though I am ashamed for not being supportive earlier, I wish him nothing but happiness.

zzan****:

I hate it when people are discriminated against, especially good people [like Hong]…

krou****:

Cheer up, Hong. People were born to be loved. Don’t be depressed, hang in there. Watching Healing Camp today really made my heart hurt. You’re not alone. You can do it!

suzz****:

I think he’s a very inspiring person. He is self-conscious but more importantly, he knows how to love himself!

chic****:

Regardless of his sexual orientation, he is still a good person.

noke****: