Jeon Somi's father Matthew recalls facing discrimination during marriage registration

Matthew Douma, the Canadian father of K-pop star Jeon Somi, has shared a personal anecdote about the discrimination he faced during his marriage registration in South Korea decades ago. Appearing on the YouTube channel 'Sunpung Sunwoo Yongnyeo,' Douma recounted the moment a public official questioned his wife, asking why she was marrying a non-Korean.

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Why didn't you marry a Korean man?

Douma recalled that the marriage registration process, which was handled directly at the Seoul City Hall at the time, involved a significant hurdle. Before stamping their marriage certificate, the official directly asked his then-fiancée, "Why didn't you marry a Korean man?" Douma expressed surprise at the memory, noting that such an incident could easily become a news story today, highlighting the shift in societal attitudes.

"Back then, such perceptions were common, and similar incidents happened frequently," Douma explained, reflecting on the past. He acknowledged the difficulties his wife endured due to their international marriage, stating, "My wife really went through a lot because of me." He expressed gratitude for her resilience and emphasized his belief in viewing people as individuals, not by their nationality.

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Now that I think about it, isn't that the kind of thing that would make the news? It could have been a big problem. But back then, those perceptions were common, and similar incidents happened frequently.

Sunwoo Yongnyeo, the host, reacted with disbelief and anger, questioning the official's intrusive remark. "Marriage is a personal choice, why would they say such a thing? It's unimaginable in America," she exclaimed, emphasizing the importance of personal autonomy. Douma added that this was just one of many instances where his wife had to navigate complex procedures and societal biases.

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Marriage is a personal choice, why would they say such a thing? It's unimaginable in America. They should be allowed to do as they please, why interfere?

Despite the past challenges, Douma noted that the situation has improved significantly. He shared his personal philosophy of not dividing people into 'Korean' and 'foreigner' categories, stating, "I don't divide people into Koreans and foreigners. I see them simply as people." Douma, who runs a smoked salmon restaurant in Korea, has two daughters with his Korean wife, including the popular singer Jeon Somi.

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That's just one of many things. Because of me, many procedures became complicated, and my wife had to endure many difficulties. It's much better now.