Recently, an actor has taken the studios of SBS variety programs 'My Little Old Boy' and 'Tteumman Nameun' by storm. One year younger than Kim Hee-chul, and the same age as Yoo Yeon-seok—this surprising revelation points to none other than Hyun Bong-sik.

Having graced nearly a hundred productions including recent dramas such as 'D.P.', 'Sweet Home 2 and 3', 'Narco-Saints', and 'Good or Bad Dong-jae', as well as films like 'The Roundup: Punishment', 'Veteran 2', 'The Match', and 'High Five', Hyun Bong-sik’s face has become familiar to many. Yet, it is only now that audiences are discovering his real age, true name, and genuine appeal. The prime of Hyun Bong-sik’s career may be just beginning.

Two 'weapons' define his unique persona: his mature appearance and chosen stage name. Born in 1984 and currently 41, Hyun Bong-sik’s strongest asset is, paradoxically, his naturally mature features. He candidly remarks, “I’ve always looked older, so I don’t even feel my age.” This distinct look allowed him to take on prominent roles of men in their 40s and 50s while still in his 30s, giving him the freedom to build a diverse filmography unfettered by age constraints—a contrast to peers often limited to set character types.

His stage name, Hyun Bong-sik, which harmonizes perfectly with his image, further solidified his brand. Inspired by the names of his late father and uncle, its weight carried new meaning, driving him to focus on acting and strive for integrity—more so than his birth name, Hyun Jae-young ever did.

Hyun Bong-sik’s charm, however, extends far beyond his distinctive appearance. His earnest stories, shared recently on variety shows, have resonated deeply with audiences. With a late start—he found his passion for acting at 30 while playing a 'troublesome customer' in a role-play during a Samsung Electronics installation technician training session—he began his acting journey. He recalled his first shoot with Hwang Jung-min for the film 'Ode to My Father', when frequent mistakes led an extra to quip, "I could do better than you." For two weeks, this stinging comment haunted him, a painful but honest confession. What stands out in his story is the absence of exaggeration or self-aggrandizement. He openly admits his shortcomings and speaks frankly about his relentless efforts to overcome them. This sincerity, forged over ten perseverance-filled years, brings a sense of hard-won authenticity and relatability that deeply connects with viewers.

His ‘unexpected charm’ has now turned him into a variety show ‘cheat code’. While he might appear merciless and stoic on screen, the reality couldn’t be more different. He doesn’t drink alcohol at all, preferring watermelon juice and chocolate cake—in other words, he has the palate of a child. Behind the strong moniker Hyun Bong-sik lies the cute childhood name Hyun Bo-ram. Contrary to his tough exterior, he is an early riser, waking up at 5:30 a.m. Every aspect of him is a delightful contradiction, offering unpredictability that delivers both fresh laughs and curiosity, quickly establishing him as a rising star on the variety circuit.

Ultimately, Hyun Bong-sik’s newfound popularity is not a stroke of luck. It is the culmination of a decade refining his craft, unwavering honesty, and a singular, surprising charm—all coming together under the wings of entertainment television. As he himself says, “I like being called ‘actor Hyun Bong-sik’ the most.” Now, audiences are beginning to appreciate not just his face, but the spectrum of charisma embodied by the name Hyun Bong-sik. His counterattack is just getting started.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=MHN DB, SBS, Coupang Play