[MyDaily = Reporter Moon Ji-hyun] Comedian Jo Hye-ryeon’s son is headed to Sydney.
On April 2, Jo shared several photos on her social media with the caption: "Uju leaves for Sydney tomorrow! Goodbye, Uju—really live your youth to the fullest. Taking commemorative photos as we send him off! Here at Shinyongsan Church—'A Day You Want to Hear' 100th special praise concert."
In the photos, Jo smiles warmly beside her now-taller son, Uju. Commenters pointed out his resemblance to his mother and praised his composed, confident bearing. Reactions included: "He looks more mature," "That's not the Uju we saw on variety shows," "He looks like Jo Hye-ryeon," "She's a cool mom," "Why is he going to Sydney?" and "We're rooting for him."
With a slimmer jawline and a leaner silhouette, Jo appeared on the YouTube channel Shingiru and explained why she lost weight. "You have to try different things," she said, noting that financially beneficial opportunities—such as home shopping—tend to favor a slimmer appearance. "When customers see someone who looks slim rather than baggy, sales can increase. I'm moving in that direction, so I feel a responsibility."
She recently posted a short video on social media noting she went from 61 kg (134.5 lb) last August to 52 kg (114.6 lb) as of April 1, 2026. The before-and-after clip highlighted her slimmer profile and sharper jawline, prompting surprised reactions from fans.
Earlier, Jo hosted a family dinner to see her son off. Her mother moved those gathered when she said, "I warned him he'd have a hard time once he left home. I hope someone watches over our Uju and shows him grace."
