[On the Record] Byeon Yo-han: "My Ambition Is to Be an Actor Who Acts Well, Not Just Popular"

'Samshiki Samchon' Actor Byun Yo-han Interview

"Vivid Characters in a Romantic Era Are Charming,
Song Kang-ho, Like a Father, Gave Me Courage"

Actor Byun Yo-han [Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

“In ‘Samsik-i Samchon,’ everyone is the main character. On set, from Song Kang-ho to the supporting actors, the energy was incredible. There were times I was afraid and physically exhausted, wondering if I could act well, but I want to praise myself for not collapsing and finishing until the end.”

Actor Byeon Yo-han (39) said this as he wrapped up the 16-episode OTT series ‘Samsik-i Samchon.’ Although he received praise for his acting skills that rivaled the veteran Song Kang-ho, he humbly said, “I was the worst at acting.” When we met at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, he said, “I was inspired by the great acting of the actors. I liked it so much that I watched the work repeatedly like listening to music, savoring my favorite lines.”

‘Samsik-i Samchon’ (directed by Shin Yeon-sik) is set from the late 1950s to early 1960s, right after the Korean War. The 16-episode Disney+ series, recently released in full, depicts the story of Park Du-chil (Song Kang-ho), a broker nicknamed Samsik-i Samchon, who meets a young man named Kim San (Byeon Yo-han), who dreams of making his homeland a better place, against the backdrop of a poor South Korea.

Byeon Yo-han said, “The script was fun, beautiful, and romantic. It vividly depicted the era as if you could feel it on your skin, and the characters felt like they actually lived in that time, which I liked. I studied the historical background to immerse myself in the story.”

Actor Byun Yo-han [Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

In the drama, Kim San, played by Byeon Yo-han, is a character who returns after earning a PhD in economics in the United States and dreams of a prosperous country where no one worries about meals. However, he becomes despairing in a chaotic world and meets Samsik-i Samchon (Song Kang-ho), who approaches him promising to help realize his dream, leading him to face a new path. Regarding the relationship between Samsik-i Samchon and Kim San, Byeon Yo-han said, “Samsik-i Samchon healed Kim San’s ‘father complex.’ To Kim San, Samsik-i Samchon was a special figure who gave him courage and love three times a day like a father and comforted him.”

Byeon Yo-han explained, “The characters cannot be divided into good and evil. The focus is on their progress. Although each has different dreams and ambitions, they ultimately look toward the same goal.” He said he resembled Kim San, who is honest about his ambitions. “Most people hide their ambitions. On the other hand, Kim San’s honest talk about his ambitions is similar to me,” he said. When asked about his own ambitions, Byeon Yo-han replied, “To stay healthy, and simply to work on one project at a time without sparing my body and mind, while interacting with good people.”

'Samshiki Samchon' still image [Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

Byeon Yo-han is a shining actor especially in scenes with veteran actors who deliver flawless performances. Following Lee Byung-hun in the drama ‘Mr. Sunshine’ (2018) and Sol Kyung-gu in the film ‘Josanjeobo’ (2021), this time with Song Kang-ho, his sharp and soaring energy stands out while maintaining intense tension.

He said, “Every moment working with Song Kang-ho was amazing. He has more than twice my acting experience and is an elder who has lived a long life. On set, I learned how to view characters and perspectives on the world and people from him.” He added, “I was impressed by his persistence. Even when he was lacking, he praised and encouraged juniors and supported the set. After filming, he watched the juniors’ acting quietly without saying a word. His silent support resembled the message of ‘Samsik-i Samchon.’ Just as the characters looked at each other and created the world, we also created the drama together.”

He entered Korea National University of Arts as a scholarship student to study acting. Byeon Yo-han diligently knocked on the door of independent films, debuted with the film ‘Saturday Duty’ (2011), and gained attention with ‘Wild Dog’ (2014). He rose to stardom with the drama ‘Misaeng’ (2014) and appeared in ‘Six Flying Dragons’ (2015), ‘Mr. Sunshine’ (2018), and films such as ‘Josanjeobo’ (2021), ‘Voice’ (2021), and ‘Hansan: Rising Dragon’ (2022).

He said, “I want to erase all my acting know-how. I want to return to a clean state, knowing nothing.” He added, “Nothing is guaranteed. Someday, I hope everything in me is exhausted. I want to take everything out of my heart and communicate with the public.”

He is determined to put everything into acting. Byeon Yo-han said his passion grows over time. “Acting is fun. I want to do well, but I’m lacking. I want to be an actor who acts well rather than someone who is popular,” he confessed. He continued, “In the past, I wanted to achieve my dream quickly and make money, acting with only myself in mind. My current goal is solely ‘to act well.’ I want to communicate by pouring all my emotions into even the weakest parts.”

Actor Byun Yo-han [Photo by Walt Disney Company Korea]

Byeon Yo-han has lived diligently. Over the past 10 years, he worked on projects continuously, running hard, then took a brief pause to reflect on himself. That time became nourishment to run for another 10 years. Recently, he tightened his shoelaces at his new agency, Team Hope. He said, “I don’t really know how to empty and fill, but if my resources run out as an actor, I want to live well as ‘human Byeon Yo-han.’ Wouldn’t that be romantic too? Through acting, I gained wisdom about how to see the world, meet people, and live. I want to live by ‘nature’ rather than ‘inertia.’”