Actor Ryu Jin Celebrates Son's Berklee Acceptance After Turning Down K-Pop Agencies

Korean actor Ryu Jin is beaming with pride after his eldest son, Chanhyung, earned acceptance to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in the United States. The exciting news was revealed during a recent appearance on the YouTube channel Yeoseong Donga, where Ryu Jin and his wife, former flight attendant Lee Hye-sun, opened up about their family life and parenting journey.

A Bold Decision: One Application, One Dream

What makes Chanhyung's achievement even more remarkable is that he applied to only one university — Berklee. His mother, Lee Hye-sun, admitted the family felt anxious about putting all their hopes on a single application, but Chanhyung's determination won out. The young musician has been accepted into Berklee's leadership program and is set to begin his studies in August 2026.

The family's faith in their son's singular focus proved well-founded. According to Ryu Jin, Chanhyung has always been the type to go all-in once he sets his sights on something. His parents described their educational philosophy as one built on trust and letting their children pursue their own passions rather than pushing them toward conventional paths.

Rejecting the K-Pop Path

Perhaps the most intriguing detail to emerge was that Chanhyung had previously received recruitment offers from three major K-entertainment agencies. Despite the allure of a potential career in the Korean entertainment industry, he chose to follow his heart and pursue formal music education instead. The decision speaks volumes about the family's values and Chanhyung's commitment to his craft.

Meanwhile, the Ryu household has plenty more to celebrate. The couple's YouTube channel recently earned a Silver Play Button, and they are marking their 20th wedding anniversary this year. Their younger son, Chanho, has also captured public attention — fans have pointed out his striking resemblance to BTS member V, adding another layer of celebrity fascination to this beloved family.

A Family That Keeps Winning

The news has drawn comparisons to other celebrity parents whose children have achieved impressive academic milestones. Comedian Shin Dong-yup's daughter and several children from the beloved reality show Dad! Where Are We Going? — including singer Yoon Min-soo's son Yoon-hoo, now attending the University of North Carolina — have also made headlines for their educational accomplishments.

For Ryu Jin, who debuted as a KBS public recruit talent in 1994 and has built a respected three-decade acting career, this moment represents the sweetest kind of success — watching his children thrive on their own terms. Fans are celebrating the heartwarming news, proving that sometimes the most compelling stories in Korean entertainment happen off-screen.