Hyun Bin: A Journey Through His Iconic Roles
Since his breakout performance in “Ireland” in 2004, Hyun Bin has firmly established himself in the entertainment industry with a string of successful dramas, including the critically acclaimed “Secret Garden” (2010) penned by Kim Eun-sook, and the beloved “Crash Landing on You” (2019) written by Park Ji-eun.
Defining Moments: “My Lovely Sam Soon”
Among his notable works, “My Lovely Sam Soon” (2005) remains a pivotal chapter in Hyun Bin’s career. The romantic drama captivated audiences, achieving a remarkable 50% viewership rating during its airing, which cemented his reputation as a leading actor in South Korea.
A Contemporary Reimagination
Fast forward two decades, the legacy of “My Lovely Sam Soon” continues as fans nostalgically revisit the story. Recently, this classic has been revitalized through Wavve’s “New Classic” project, transforming it into an 8-episode, 4K director’s cut released in September 2023.
This renewed interest has prompted a reevaluation of the character Hyun Jin-heon, played by Hyun Bin, leading to thoughtful edits in light of contemporary values. At a press event for the 2024 version, director Kim Yoon-cheol addressed this shift, noting how the character’s resonance has changed with audiences in their 20s and 30s today.
Modern Sensibilities and Character Evolution
Director Kim elaborated that some of Hyun Jin-heon’s dialogues and attitudes felt outdated and often clashed with modern sensibilities. He emphasized the careful editing process aimed at updating the character while preserving the story’s core. “We made edits wherever possible to align with today’s expectations,” he clarified.
This contemporary lens has sparked humorous debates among co-stars regarding the character dynamics. Kim Sun-ah, who portrayed Kim Sam-soon, pondered whether a modern Kim Sam-soon would still choose Hyun Jin-heon, noting his potentially problematic behaviors. Jung Ryeo-won, playing Yoo Hee-jin, jokingly suggested that if it were set in today’s world, her character would likely help return Hyun Jin-heon to Sam-soon without creating much drama.
Hyun Bin Responds to the “Beat-Up Car Theory”
As discussions around the infamous “beat-up car theory” regarding Hyun Jin-heon circulated, Hyun Bin took a lighthearted stance. In a recent interaction with Star News, he humorously admitted, “I was wrong,” prompting laughter among fans.
He further elaborated, stating he had always adhered to the script, acknowledging how perceptions of his character as a “bad boy” have evolved over time.
Reflecting on Success and Future Projects
Grateful for his journey, Hyun Bin expressed appreciation for the many successful projects in his career, crediting the incredible writers, directors, and co-stars he has worked with. “I don’t take my good fortune for granted,” he said, reflecting on the opportunities that shaped his career.
As he moves forward, fans can look forward to Hyun Bin’s latest film, “Harbin,” which is set to premiere on December 24, 2023.
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