[Interview] Hyun Bin "I Don't Feel Like a Father Yet, But I'm Happy... I Will Live Diligently"

'Confidential Assignment 2: International' North Korean Detective Role Hyun Bin
"Speak North Korean dialect and become popular? Hope to be loved this time too"

Hyun Bin / Photo by VAST Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Expectant father Hyun Bin (Kim Taepyeong, 40) said, "It is a great blessing and happiness" as he awaits the arrival of his second child.

In an interview held ahead of the release of the movie Confidential Assignment 2: International (directed by Lee Seok-hoon) on the 1st, Hyun Bin expressed his feelings about becoming a parent, saying, "I still can't quite believe it."

Hyun Bin married actress Son Ye-jin, who is the same age, last March, and announced her pregnancy in June. He said, "People around me say that seeing the baby's face makes it feel real. I am waiting with a good heart. I want to show that I live diligently as a parent."

He continued, "I want to work hard to create and present projects with roles I can perform, just like before." He also shared his wife Son Ye-jin's reaction. Hyun Bin said, "Ye-jin said, 'As much as you work hard on the movie, many people will love it.' She supports me by sharing articles and reactions after the press screening."

The sequel to Confidential Assignment, which was released in 2017 and attracted 7.81 million viewers, Confidential Assignment 2: International will be released on the 7th. The story depicts North Korean detective Lim Cheol-ryeong (Hyun Bin), South Korean detective Kang Jin-tae (Yoo Hae-jin), and new overseas FBI agent Jack (Daniel Henney) coming together with their own goals to conduct a triangular joint investigation to catch a global crime organization.

Continuing from the previous film, Hyun Bin, who plays North Korean detective Lim Cheol-ryeong, said, "In the first film, the main emotion was revenge for my wife's death, but in the second film, life in South Korea is portrayed. The relationship with Jin-tae's family makes Cheol-ryeong more relaxed." He added, "I think that is his true self, so I tried my best to bring it out."

Following Confidential Assignment and Crash Landing on You (2019), Hyun Bin's portrayal of North Korean characters has been so beloved that people say his North Korean dialect brings him popularity. He laughed and said, "I hope it becomes popular again this time."

"Because the North Korean dialect varies depending on origin and occupation, I studied it for 2 to 3 months before filming Confidential Assignment 2: International. I am happy that these works have received a lot of love, but as an actor, I don't want to be typecast in one image. I don't plan to take roles that require speaking North Korean dialect for a while."