In a rare online interview with Filipino journalists, the global star and one of Bench’s most influential celebrity endorsers speaks his mind out on a number of areas, from career to fashion, relaxation to vaccines.
By Alex Y. Vergara
A good number of his fans may still be experiencing separation anxiety, unable to move on from his Netflix series persona as the dashing Captain Ri, which he brought to life last year in Crash Landing on You (aka CLOY), but Korean heartthrob Hyun Bin, after shooting two new feature films, is definitely over it.
“I have to say that I’ve moved on,” the Korean-speaking Hyun, through an interpreter, shared recently with a group of Filipino journalists over Zoom. “After CLOY, I shot two movies—The Point Men and Confidential Assignment 2: International. So, I have to say I’ve kind of moved on.”
But the actor, who granted a rare online interview hosted by global lifestyle brand Bench, which he’s endorsing, is well aware of the many fans out there who have yet to get over the series, which has arguably made Hyun and leading lady Son Ye-Jin household names the world over.
“Whenever I hear stories about it, the memories come back,” said Hyun, his eyes lighting up. But, yes, to answer your question, albeit indirectly, there won’t be a sequel to CLOY in the works. At least not in the near future.
On Captain Ri and why the character has resonated so well with so many people, the actor, turning a tad serious, surmised: “I think that such a character is pure, serious and, most of all, knows how to sacrifice for his loved ones, which is what endeared him to a lot of people.”
Dressed in a light blue T-shirt topped with a black collared jacket, the boyish-looking actor fielded all sorts of questions—from messages of encouragement to fans during the pandemic to future directions he wants to take his showbiz career to.
He also acknowledged his legion of Filipino fans and his desire to soon meet them in person. Because of his killer schedule, he also revealed that he has little time to relax. But he’s definitely not complaining.
“I’m very sad because if it weren’t for the current pandemic situation, I would have gone (to the Philippines) and met you (Filipino fans) in person,” he said. “But still, I’m able to meet and communicate with you through Bench so I’m very happy. I think Bench’s biggest charm is that it’s simple and comfortable, yet still stylish.”
Asked, for instance, how he would style a classic white T-shirt from Bench and where he would wear it, the innately stylish Hyun offered a quick response.
“Well, I think a white T-shirt goes well with any pants,” he said. “For me, I wear it with jeans and slacks very often. But also wearing a jacket or blazer over a white shirt with slacks would make you ready to go even to a formal event.”
As a global icon, Hyun knows that being imitated—from his haircut down to his fashion sense—comes with the territory. The looks he wears are always under the scrutiny of fans. But who is Hyun as a fashion plate without the help of an army of stylists presumably under his beck and call?
“Personally, I like comfy and simple clothes,” he revealed. “So, if you want to dress like me, that’s how you should dress. If you want me to be more specific, in my case, I also put more emphasis on my watch, accessories and shoes. But nothing too extravagant.”
When it comes to choosing roles, Hyun can be selective, but only up to a point. Having tried almost all kinds of genres in a showbiz career spanning nearly 20 years, the actor has done rom-com, drama, action and even sci-fi movies and TV series. What does he want to do next?
Believe it or not, he says, it doesn’t really matter. He doesn’t care as much about the genre, as long as the project’s story or theme catches his interest. As for his “dream role,” the next role could very well be it because he tries as much as possible to steer clear of characters who are almost copycats of roles he has done in the past.
“I constantly look for something new in whatever genre, role or story I decide to embark on. So, I guess everything I haven’t tried yet can be my dream role,” he reasoned.
His curiosity and appetite for new challenges have been his constant guide in pursuing and saying yes to a specific role or project. He has no clear idea what that next role would be, but like love, he just knows that it’s something that he should say yes to once the assignment lands on his lap and he gets to read the script.
“After finishing shooting a film or series, I browse through new scripts and see if there’s a specific role I’m attracted to. I’m just constantly on the lookout for something new. You could say that I’m constantly curious,” he said with a bedimpled smile.
But being famous has its downsides, too. Not that this young man is complaining. As a working actor, free time is a luxury to him. Most of his waking hours are spent on the set either acting before the cameras or waiting in the sidelines, always at the ready should the director call him for his next scenes. The only time he could fully relax and let his hair down is in between projects.
“To relax, hmmm, I simply take deep breaths,” said Hyun, referring to how he manages to stay positive and energized even in the middle of a long and arduous shooting day. “Inhaling and exhaling three to five times makes me more relaxed.”
Unlike certain global celebrities, Hyun isn’t living in a bubble. Having kept an ear to the ground all these months, he’s fully aware of the extent and gravity of damage the pandemic has wrought on people the world over. He commiserates with them, especially fans, by acknowledging their pain, but at the same time also reminding them to always stay mindful and hopeful that this too shall pass.
“I believe that we have all been through tough times this past year and, I think, we’re all doing our best to overcome it. So, I believe that very soon, we will be able to take off our masks and communicate face to face and not through video calls like this,” he said
“So everyone, stay strong even for just a bit more. Follow safety measures and stay healthy. Before you know it, we’ll all be able to meet and see each other in person,” Hyun concluded.
