[Interview] Boxer to Model to Actor Ahn Bo-hyun... "I Haven't Taken More Than Two Months Off from Acting"

Actor Ahn Bo-hyun Interview

SBS Fri-Sat Drama 'Jaebeol X Detective' as Third-Generation Chaebol Detective
Moved from Busan 17 Years Ago to Become Leading Actor
Active Across Drama, Film, and Variety Shows

Actor Ahn Bo-hyun
Photo by FN Entertainment

Actor Ahn Bo-hyun (35) is a face that has risen hotly in recent years. Since last year, he has been diligently running non-stop in dramas, variety shows, and movies. His shoulders are heavy enough to take the lead role in a terrestrial broadcaster's Friday-Saturday drama. When we met at a cafe in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, he said, "It feels like fate," and "I'm grateful to be able to work."

In SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Chaebol X Detective,' which ended on the 23rd, he played the role of Jin Yi-soo, a reckless third-generation chaebol and a parachuted detective. Sometimes comedic, sometimes serious, he led the story. The final episode (16th) recorded a 9.3% viewership rating (Nielsen Korea, nationwide standard) and a peak rating of 11%, receiving a good response. Ahn Bo-hyun said, "I'm happy that my efforts have paid off," and "It was a prestigious weekend drama slot, so I felt burdened and pressured, but many people liked it, so I am deeply moved."

First Terrestrial Lead Role “Feeling Popularity in Hometown”

His first lead role on terrestrial TV surpassed a 10% viewership rating. Ahn Bo-hyun truly felt the popularity for the first time in his life. He said, "During 'Itaewon Class,' I couldn't really feel it due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I hadn't been able to visit my hometown (Busan) during holidays for a while, but I went during this Lunar New Year holiday. Many people recognized me. My grandmother especially was very happy. An aunt at the local favorite radish greens soup restaurant, who had been going there for years, didn't know I was an actor until now. Industry people also contacted me a lot. They said they watched the original broadcast and sent messages saying it was fun," he said.

SBS confirmed the production of season 2 of 'Chaebol X Detective' as the fixed viewer base was secured. Ahn Bo-hyun said, "I never expected it at all," and laughed, "I found out through news articles." He added, "When we finished filming and went on a team retreat, we joked among ourselves that if season 2 comes out, we hope to go together without any replacements. I want to make up for the shortcomings of the previous season in the sequel."

"I feel the power of weekend dramas. Viewers tired of daily life feel exhilaration through dramas on weekends. The character Yi-soo that I played is unpleasant and so unsightly that people wonder 'how can someone be like that,' but he is a character that gives sympathy and vicarious satisfaction. Maybe people liked him because he left a painful impression like a sore spot."

Actor Ahn Bo-hyun filming SBS 'Jaebeol X Detective' [Photo by FN Entertainment]

After various attempts externally, he completed his style. Ahn Bo-hyun said, "I tried attaching and removing hair, putting it up and down, thinking about what style suits me. Then I tried pulling out two strands like an idol and sticking them to my eyebrows so they wouldn't shake. I also had a custom-made Hawaiian shirt for my body shape, and the suit was tailored with a slim waist and bell-bottom pants fit. I wanted to give off the so-called 'annoying' vibe," he said.

Started Living in Seoul Barehanded... 10 Years of Driving Himself Hard

Ahn Bo-hyun was active as a boxer, debuted as a model in 2007, and started acting with the movie 'Hiya' (2016). He became known through dramas like 'Kairos,' 'Itaewon Class' (2020), and 'Yumi's Cells' seasons 1 and 2 (2021?2022). Starting with the tvN variety show 'Busan Chonnom in Sydney' last year, he has been busy with tvN drama 'Please Take Care of This New Life,' the movie 'Noryang: Sea of Death,' and SBS drama 'Chaebol X Detective.' He has made his presence known to audiences and viewers by working actively in various fields.

"It's been about 11 years since a country boy from Busan came up to Seoul and started acting, and I've come a long way. I feel myself growing little by little. I started with minor roles, then auditioned for more significant parts, became a supporting actor, and finally a lead. It felt like the sky was telling me 'Don't give up, keep going.' I feel proud because I have really worked hard, comforting myself along the way."

Ahn Bo-hyun said, "I'm not very lucky, so I always try not to be complacent and keep pushing myself. That's why I have never taken a break for more than two months. Taking breaks doesn't suit my constitution." His undying passion is the driving force that keeps him moving forward. He said, "Rather than the burden of not wanting to be forgotten, I don't rest because acting is fun. Every moment is a challenge, but it's always fascinating and enjoyable."

Actor Ahn Bo-hyun
Photo by FN Entertainment

The phrase "a person who is not lucky" caught my ear. Ahn Bo-hyun said, "Seoul is a foreign land to me. When I first came up from my hometown, I felt like I came with nothing but my body to a foreign place. I found the cheapest room and lived in Sillim-dong. From then until now, I am thankful to myself for not giving up." Then he recalled, "There was a time when I thought I was unlucky no matter what I did. After coming to Seoul, I learned standard language and posture one by one. At the same time, I resented myself, thinking 'I am unlucky.' I also felt regretful, wondering how things might have been if I had a little financial support."

Because of those times, the current Ahn Bo-hyun exists. He smiled and said, "Now I feel that I have good human connections." When asked why, he answered, "I see Baek Jong-won a lot," expressing his gratitude.

"We often talk on the phone and meet more than twice a month. He treats me very comfortably. At a dinner, I suddenly asked him to take a photo of my sister-in-law, Soyu-jin, because it was needed for a drama. He readily agreed. He even said, 'If I had known earlier, I would have dressed up and put on makeup,' and helped me. When I said I was going on a trip to Jeju Island, he sent me a list of good restaurants, and recently we went on a trip to Japan together. He is like a benefactor. The only joy of living in Seoul, a mentor. We share hard stories and even watch each other's kids. These days, I'm thinking about moving closer to home. (laughs)"

Actor Ahn Bo-hyun

Ahn Bo-hyun is set to release the movie 'The Devil Has Come' (directed by Lee Sang-geun) in June. He hinted, "It's a character opposite to Yi-soo," and "It won't be a typical romance." He added, "I want to act hard. I want to try historical dramas, period pieces, and noir genres in the future. I also want to challenge myself with proper villain roles, attractive villains."