Hyun Bin

Screen name: 현빈 / Hyun Bin
Legal name: 김태평 / Kim Tae-pyeong
Profession: Actor, singer
Birthdate: June 22, 1987
Birthplace: Songpa District, Seoul, South Korea
Height: 184cm
Star sign: Libra
Blood type: B

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Hyun Bin
Hyun Bin

• Hyun Bin’s real name is Kim Tae-pyung. Evidently his father chose it because of the meanings of the Hanja characters. One of them is “calm ocean” and another is “golden season” or “happy time.” However, this name is difficult to pronounce even for Koreans, so not a good name for a professional actor. He chose his stage name Hyun Bin for its meaning and appeal. The name “Hyun Bin” (현빈) translates to “Bright Light” in Korean. This name not only has a positive and memorable connotation but also aligns well with his public persona and the image he wanted to project in the entertainment industry.

• Hyun Bin has several nicknames given by fans and the media. One of his most popular nicknames is Binnie, which is a cute and affectionate way of shortening his stage name. Another nickname is Man of Melodrama, referring to his exceptional performances in romantic dramas and films.

• Hyun Bin almost became the lead singer of the rock ballad band Buzz. During the early stages of the rock ballad band Buzz, Hyun Bin was considered for the role of lead vocalist. This interesting tidbit was revealed by Buzz’s guitarist, Son Sung Hee, during an episode of the SBS PowerFM show Kim Chang Ryul’s Old School. However, the band’s current vocalist, Min Kyung Hoon, was ultimately chosen for the position because his singing style was deemed a better fit for Buzz’s songs.

• Hyun Bin is fluent in English. He studied the language during his university years, which has significantly benefited him in various international projects and interviews. His ability to switch seamlessly between languages has contributed to his global appeal.

• Hyun Bin is not on social media but searches for his name online daily. Hyun Bin has expressed that living constantly in the public eye makes it difficult for him to truly care about himself. This feeling is one of the reasons he avoids having a personal social media account. Hyun Bin feels forced to live as his public persona, which complicates caring for his true self. This desire to keep his work and personal life separate is why he doesn’t use social media. Despite this, he searches for his name online daily to stay informed about how events involving him are covered and to learn about aspects of his public image he might not be aware of.

• Hyun Bin was a member of a celebrity baseball team called Playboys.  The Playboys team was formed as a way for these celebrities to bond over their shared love for baseball and to enjoy some leisure time together away from their busy schedules. The team often played friendly matches and participated in charity events, using their popularity to raise awareness and funds for various causes.

Hyun Bin grew up in a typical Korean family with his parents and an older brother. Their names and professions have not been publicly disclosed. There is information on Reddit that his family gained some recognition because his father was a well-respected and popular literature teacher.

Elementary and Middle School: Not publicly disclosed

Youngdong High School
Year Founded: 1974
Address: 22-1, Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Chung-Ang University
Year Founded: 1916
Address: 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea

B.A. in Theater and Film
M.A. in Theater and Film

Hyun Bin enlisted in the South Korean Marine Corps on March 7, 2011, under his real name, Kim Tae-pyung. The Marine Corps is known for being one of the toughest branches of the South Korean military. During his service, he was praised for his dedication and hard work, receiving a special citation for being an exemplary soldier. He completed his service on December 6, 2012. Hyun Bin’s time in the military was marked by his commitment and discipline, which earned him respect both within the military and from the public.

Hwang Ji Hyun (2007-2008)

Hyun Bin dated actress Hwang Ji Hyun from 2007 to 2008. Their relationship was relatively private, and they parted ways after about a year.

Song Hye Kyo (2008-2011)

Hyun Bin and actress Song Hye Kyo started dating after working together on the drama Worlds Within in 2008. They confirmed their relationship in 2009 but broke up in early 2011, shortly before Hyun Bin’s military enlistment.

Kang Sora (2016-2017)

Hyun Bin and actress Kang Sora confirmed their relationship in December 2016. However, they broke up in December 2017, citing busy schedules.

Son Ye Jin (2020-Present)

Hyun Bin and actress Son Ye Jin first worked together on the film The Negotiation in 2018 and later starred in the hit drama Crash Landing on You in 2019. They confirmed their relationship in January 2021 and got married in March 2022. The couple welcomed their first child, a son, in November 2022.

Hyun Bin’s relationships have often been in the public eye, especially his current relationship with Son Ye Jin, which has been widely celebrated by fans.

• Date Released: July 5, 2003

• For his acting debut, Hyun Bin played the played the role of Min Seon-ah in the television series Bodyguard. This supporting role marked the beginning of his illustrious career in the entertainment industry.

• Date Released: September 15, 2003

• In the 2003 sitcom “Nonstop 4,” Hyun Bin played the role of an attractive college student. This series, which focused on campus life, helped Hyun Bin gain popularity early in his career.

• Trivia: The show was known for featuring many up-and-coming actors who later became big stars.

• 2004 MBC Entertainment Awards
  Won – Special Award, TV Actor

• Date Released: November 25, 2003

• Hyun Bin appeared in the music video for 내탓이죠 (It’s My Fault) by the South Korean band Herb.

• Date Released: May 21, 2004

• In the 2004 film Spin Kick, Hyun Bin played the role of Jin-ju. This movie revolves around a high school taekwondo team striving to regain its former glory.

• Date Released: September 1, 2004

• Hyun Bin played the role of Kang Gook, a kind and solitary bodyguard, in the South Korean television series Ireland. The series follows the story of Lee Joong-ah, adopted into an Irish family, who returns to Korea after a tragic event. Kang Gook helps her in her quest to find her biological family.

• 2004 MBC Drama Awards
  Won – Best New Actor

• Date Released: January 13, 2005

• Hyun Bin played the role of Jin-ju in the 2005 South Korean romance film Daddy Long Legs (Kidari ajeossi). The movie, loosely inspired by Jean Webster’s 1912 novel, tells the story of a young woman named Young-mi who receives support from a mysterious benefactor she calls Daddy Long Legs.

• Trivia: This movie is one of four Korean movies screened at the 2006 International Fajr Film Festival in Iran.

• Hyun Bin starred in the music video for Kim Bum Soo’s song Memory, released in 2005. This appearance marked one of his early ventures into music videos, showcasing his versatility as an actor. An interesting trivia is that Kim Bum Soo also performed at Hyun Bin’s wedding to Son Ye-jin in 2022.

• Hyun Bin starred in the music video for Hey U by Lemon Tree, which was released in 2005. In the video, he plays a charming and romantic lead, showcasing his early acting skills before he became widely known for his roles in dramas.

• Date Released: June 1, 2005

• Hyun Bin played the role of Hyun Jin-heon, the charming yet aloof owner of a French restaurant, in the popular South Korean television series My Name is Kim Sam Soon. His character hires the titular Kim Sam-soon, a talented pastry chef, and their initially antagonistic relationship evolves into a romantic one.

• Trivia: The series was a massive hit, with over 37% average viewership ratings. This role catapulted Hyun Bin to stardom, significantly boosting his popularity across Asia. The series was often compared to Bridget Jones’s Diary due to its relatable and humorous portrayal of a single woman’s life and love.

• Date Released: February 9, 2006

• In the 2006 South Korean romance film A Millionaire’s First Love, Hyun Bin plays Kang Jae-kyung, a wealthy and arrogant high school senior who must transfer to a rural school and graduate to inherit his grandfather’s fortune. The film explores themes of love and personal growth.

• Trivia: The film inspired several international remakes, including the Nepali film Mero Euta Saathi Chha and the Telugu film Pilla Zamindar.

• Date Released: November 13, 2006

• In the 2006 South Korean television series The Snow Queen, Hyun Bin stars as Han Tae-woong, a math prodigy who becomes a boxer after a series of tragic events. Hyun Bin’s portrayal of Tae-woong, who struggles with guilt and loss, earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as a leading actor in Korean dramas. The series is known for its emotional depth and the chemistry between Hyun Bin and co-star Sung Yu-ri.

• Trivia: The series was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale.

• Date Released: October 27, 2008

• In the 2008 South Korean television series Worlds Within, Hyun Bin stars as Jung Ji-oh, a talented and passionate TV director who navigates the complexities of his professional and personal life. The series offers a realistic portrayal of the broadcasting industry and the relationships within it.

• Date Released: June 27, 2009

• In the 2009 South Korean television series Friend, Our Legend, Hyun Bin plays Han Dong-soo, a character who transitions from a troubled youth to a significant figure in the gang underworld. The series is a TV adaptation of the 2001 film Friend by Kwak Kyung-taek.

• Date Released: August 13, 2009

• Hyun Bin’s single Can’t Have You was released as part of the Original Soundtrack (OST) for the drama Friend, Our Legend.

• 2009 MBC Drama Awards
  Nomination – Excellence Award, Actor

• Date Released: November 26, 2009

• In the 2009 South Korean drama film I Am Happy, Hyun Bin portrays Man-soo, a man who becomes a patient in a psychiatric ward after enduring a difficult life with a mother suffering from dementia and a brother addicted to gambling. The film explores themes of mental health and healing through the relationship between Man-soo and a nurse, played by Lee Bo-young.

• Trivia: I Am Happy premiered as the closing film at the 2008 Busan International Film Festival before its theatrical release.

• Date Released: November 13, 2010

• Hyun Bin played the lead role of Kim Joo-won in the hit South Korean television drama Secret Garden. Kim Joo-won is a wealthy, eccentric CEO who falls in love with stuntwoman Gil Ra-im, played by Ha Ji-won.

• Trivia: Secret Garden became a cultural phenomenon, contributing to the Hallyu wave and solidifying Hyun Bin’s status as a top-tier actor.

• Date released: December 3, 2010

• Hyun Bin served as the narrator for the MBC documentary Tears of Africa which is part of the acclaimed Tears series. This series explores environmental and wildlife issues across various regions, with Tears of Africa specifically focusing on the rich biodiversity and environmental challenges of the African continent.

• Date released: February 17, 2011

• Hyun Bin starred as Hoon in the 2010 romantic drama film Late Autumn, directed by Kim Tae-yong. The film tells the story of a brief, poignant romance between a woman named Anna (played by Tang Wei), who is on a 72-hour parole from prison, and a mysterious man named Hoon.

• Trivia: The film is a remake of the 1966 classic of the same name. Late Autumn premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2010, and was noted for its melancholic atmosphere and beautiful cinematography. The film was also well-received in China and contributed to Hyun Bin’s growing popularity in the international market.

• Date released: February 24, 2011

• Hyun Bin played the role of the husband in the 2011 South Korean film Come Rain, Come Shine, directed by Lee Yoon-ki. The film explores the quiet and emotional unraveling of a couple’s relationship over a single day as they face an impending separation.

• Trivia: Come Rain, Come Shine premiered at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, 2011, where it was nominated for the Golden Bear.

• Date released: December 23, 2011

• Hyun Bin narrated the MBC documentary Tears of the Earth – From the North Pole to the South Pole, part of the Tears series, which also includes Tears of Africa. This documentary focuses on the environmental issues and the impact of climate change on polar regions, highlighting the stark beauty and fragility of these ecosystems.

• Date released: April 30, 2014

• In the 2014 South Korean period action film The Fatal Encounter, Hyun Bin stars as King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, who faces numerous assassination attempts during his reign.

• Trivia: This role marked Hyun Bin’s first period film and his first acting project after completing his mandatory military service. The movie is based on a real-life assassination attempt on King Jeongjo.

• 2014 Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival
  Won – Producer’s Choice Award

• Date released: January 21, 2015

• In the 2015 South Korean television series Hyde Jekyll, Me, Hyun Bin plays the dual roles of Goo Seo-jin and Robin, two distinct personalities within the same character due to dissociative identity disorder. The show marked Hyun Bin’s return to television after a five-year hiatus.

• Trivia: Hyun Bin’s dedication to his role earned him the nickname “Hyun-tail” from the crew, a portmanteau of his name and “detail,” reflecting his meticulous approach to portraying the contrasting personalities.

• 2015 SBS Drama Awards
  Nominated – Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Drama Special

• Date released: January 18, 2017

• In the 2017 South Korean action film Confidential Assignment, Hyun Bin stars as Im Chul-ryung, a North Korean detective sent to South Korea on a covert mission to capture a fugitive who has stolen counterfeit plates.

• Trivia: Confidential Assignment performed impressively at the box office, grossing approximately $55.9 million worldwide. It was particularly successful in South Korea, where it earned around $55.5 million.

• Date released: November 22, 2017

• In the 2017 South Korean crime action film The Swindlers, Hyun Bin plays Ji-sung, a clever con artist who targets other swindlers. The film follows Ji-sung as he teams up with a prosecutor and other swindlers to catch a notorious conman.

• Date released: May 9, 2014

• In the 2018 music video for Reply by Kim Dong-ryool, Hyun Bin stars as the male lead, portraying a man reflecting on past memories and emotions. The music video features a serene and nostalgic atmosphere, enhanced by Hyun Bin’s expressive performance.

• Date released: December 1, 2018

• In the 2018 South Korean television series Memories of the Alhambra, Hyun Bin stars as Yoo Jin-woo, a CEO of an investment company who travels to Spain and becomes entangled in a mysterious augmented reality game. The series is notable for its unique blend of genres, including science fiction, romance, and thriller.

• Trivia: The show’s title alludes to the classical guitar piece “Recuerdos de la Alhambra” by Francisco Tárrega, which is also featured in the series’ soundtrack.

• 2020 Baeksang Arts Awards
  Nominated – Best Actor (TV)
  Won – Most Popular Actor

• 2020 APAN Star Awards
  Won – Grand Prize (Daesang)

• Yahoo! Asia Buzz Awards
  Won – Most Popular Korean Artist

• 2009–2019 Top Box Office Powerhouse Actors in Korean Movies
  Ranked 37th

• 2020 Presidential Commendation

• 2020 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40
  Ranked 29th on the list

• 2021 Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40
  Ranked 21st on the list

• Date released: September 7, 2022

• In the 2022 South Korean action comedy film Confidential Assignment 2: International, Hyun Bin reprises his role as Im Chul-ryung, a North Korean detective who teams up with South Korean and American counterparts to tackle a global criminal organization. The film features an expanded cast including Daniel Henney and Yoo Hae-jin.

• Trivia: This film reunites Hyun Bin with Daniel Henney after 17 years since their last collaboration in My Lovely Sam Soon.

• Date released: September 2024

• In the upcoming 2024 South Korean biographical spy thriller Harbin, Hyun Bin stars as Ahn Jung-geun, a Korean independence activist who, in 1909, assassinated Itō Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan. The film, directed by Woo Min-ho, is set to premiere in September 2024 at the Toronto International Film Festival.

• Trivia: The movie was filmed in various locations, including South Korea, Latvia, and Mongolia, to authentically capture the historical setting.

Some memorable moments and photoshoots.