Hyun Bin: 'Happiness? These days, it's being healthy and fit.'

MANILA, Philippines — When I asked Hyun Bin what happiness is for him, he hesitated and said it was difficult to say. Then he continued, “These days, I think it’s being healthy. I feel like being able to perform my tasks well while being healthy and fit is what happiness is.” With our current pandemic world, I totally agree with the Korean superstar, who told me this in a one-on-one virtual conversation arranged by leading fashion brand Bench. As every Pinoy K-Drama lover knows, internationally acclaimed actor Hyun Bin is a Bench Global Ambassador.

Crash Landing on You (CLOY) sweetheart Captain Ri, as played by Hyun Bin, triggered a collective swoon among Filipinas, and I’m sure from ladies all over the globe. There were Hyun Bin-themed parties (I swear!); his name was spoken of in whispers of awe; he decorated covers of magazines, and was all over digital media. It was “Hyun Bin” this and “Hyun Bin” that. Though CLOY started before the lockdown, it blew up when everyone was home dealing with the restrictions of the pandemic, which I believe added to the hysteria. It seemed like everyone was in love with Hyun Bin — and still is.

When I found out that Bench got Hyun Bin as a global ambassador, I  screamed (on the inside, of course) and jumped up and down (in my head). What a massive coup! Come to think of it, Bench’s clean and classic casual looks were a match with the Korean celebrity’s style. I thought “bagay.”

In my Zoom one-on-one interview with Hyun Bin, I got to see him up-close and ask questions that I’d always imagined asking him. He was wearing a Bench navy blue jacket and light blue T-shirt underneath. Just so you know, I kept it together and remained cool. I simply told myself to treat this as a regular conversation. And you know what?  It felt that way. Hyun Bin was very calm and professional. His voice was soothing, somehow. He answered with seriousness but at two of my questions, he smiled — and treated me by showing his famous dimples.

The rest of my interview goes like this.

Philippine STAR: You have acted in many diverse roles that have showcased your versatility as an actor. What is your favorite genre? Action? Romantic Comedy? Drama?

Hyun Bin: I can’t say I have a genre. Instead, I actually try to avoid liking just one genre. Each genre has its own charm and message it portrays, so I really try not to lean towards one genre.

Among your varied roles, which character, to you, was most memorable and why?

As of now, I’d have to say it’s the character Lim Cheol Ryung (Hyun Bin’s character in the 2017 Korean action film Confidential Assignment). I finished shooting as this character just a week ago, so parts of Cheol Ryung are still left in my mind and body. And with the making of a second season, I got to play this character twice, so when I get this question now, I would say it’s Cheol Ryung.

Describe your daily life at home. What do you like doing? Do you cook?

Hmm. I cook very seldom. I don’t get to spend a lot of time at home, so when I do, I try to get plenty of rest, and I don’t do anything special. When I do something, I watch a movie I’ve wanted to watch or eat food I’ve wanted to eat.

Describe your personal fashion style and how does it fit with Bench?

I go for simple and comfortable styles. I think this matched with Bench very well since Benchwear is simple and comfy, yet still stylish and fashionable.

What is happiness for you? Or what makes you happy?

That’s a very difficult question. These days, I think it’s being healthy. I feel like being able to perform my tasks well while being healthy and fit is what happiness is.