Hyun Bin: From Sparkling Track Suit To Joseon Dynasty King

Hyun Bin portrays a Joseon king in “The Fatal Encounter”, which opens in select U.S. theaters on Friday, May 23. “The Fatal Encounter” is the first acting project completed by Hyun Bin following is mandatory military service, as well as his first historical film.

In “The Fatal Encounter”, Hyun Bin takes on role of Joseon Dynasty ruler, King Jeongjo. The film focuses on the real-life assassination attempt on the life of King Jeongjo, who witnessed the execution of his father. During his rule, opposing factions attempted to kill King Jeongjo seven times. The focus of “The Fatal Encounter” is the first assassination attempt, which occurred in 1777.

Hyun Bin has portrayed notorious roles in Korean drama, but has also had an extensive film career. His characters have ranged from the martial arts team member Min Gyu in the 2004 film “Spin Kick” to his iconic portrayal of spoiled chaebol Kim Joo Won in “Secret Garden”. Hyun Bin has won over legions of fans with his aloof portrayal of characters that could otherwise be considered detestable but are endearing in their naivete.

Hyun Bin debuted as a stalker in the 2003 Cha Seung Won action-comedy drama “Bodyguard”. He appeared on “Nonstop” then held the more significant role of bodyguard Kang Gook in the 2004 drama “Ireland”.

In 2005, Hyun Bin received acclaim and popularity for his portrayal of restauranteur Hyun Jin Heon in “My Name Is Kim Sam Soon”. “My Name Is Kim Sam Soon” employed many of the tropes that K-Drama fans have grown to love. The title character is brash and bawdy in this Korean nod to “Bridget Jones' Diary”. While Kim Sam Soon (Kim Sun Ah) is average in almost every way, Hyun Jin Heon is a handsome hotel heir who also owns the restaurant Bon Appetit.

“My Name Is Kim Sam Soon” was also responsible for launching the career of Daniel Henney and delivered actress Jung Ryeo Won (Yoo Hee Jin) into fame.

The 2005 film “Daddy Long Legs” is loosely based on 1912 novel “Daddy-Long-Legs” written by Jean Webster. Hyun Bin appears in flashbacks throughout the film which starred Ha Ji Won as Cha Young Mi, a struggling orphan. Hyun Bin would later star opposite Ha Ji Won in “Secret Garden”.

In “A Millionaire's First Love”, Hyun Bin portrays Kang Jae Kyung, an heir who learns the meaning of true love after being sent to a provincial high school in rural Gangwon. After arriving in the small town, Kang Jae Kyung meets Choi Eun Hwan (Lee Yeon Hee), a terminally ill girl. Eun Hwan has harbored affection for Jae Kyung due to a past relationship with him which is reignited through “The Sound of Music”.

The 2010 film “Late Autumn” is a critically acclaimed film in which Hong Kong actress Tang Wei starred opposite Hyun Bin. The film was shot in Korea, Hong Kong, China, and the United States, with English as the primary language. Hyun Bin portrays Hoon, a shiftless adulterer who is on the run from an American businessman. Tang Wei is Anna, a murderess who is provided with seventy-two hours of parole to visit her family, following the death of her mother.

One of the last acting roles held by Hyun Bin prior to his 2011 military enlistment was Kim Joo Won in “Secret Garden”. “Secret Garden” has developed an immense following amongst k-drama fans who are attracted to the quirky plot of the drama, as well as the numerous tag lines. Kim Joo Won is a conglomerate heir with a love for tacky track suits. He falls passionately in love with Gil Ra Im, a stunt woman, who strongly attempts to reject Kim Joo Won. The couple undergoes numerous instances of body switches which lead to interesting plot twists.

Audiences are delighted to see the return of Hyun Bin to the screen, after his absence. “The Fatal Encounter” opens in select theaters within the United States on May 23 and will screen in Korean with English subtitles.