Hyun Bin Mentioned in Netflix’s ‘The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House’ Because of ‘Crash Landing on You’ – Here's Why

Viewers of the hit manga-adapted series "The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House" noticed a familiar face which happens to be South Korean heartthrob Hyun Bin.

The Japanese 9-episode series depicts the journey of two childhood friends Kiyo and Sumire who moved from Aomori Prefecture to Kyoto to become maiko, or an apprentice geisha.

Interestingly, the series was directed by the renowned Japanese filmmaker, Hirokazu Kore-eda, who also helmed the award-winning Korean movie "Broker" which stars IU, Song Kang Ho, Kang Dong Won, and more.

'The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House' Features Hyun Bin

As the TV show aired its pilot episode on January 12, viewers noticed that Hyun Bin's photo appeared during "The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House" episode 1.

The character whom the maiko called Mother Chiyo, played by Matsuzaka Keiko, seemed to be swooned by the South Korean heartthrob's charm.

The first episode featured Mother Chiyo, who exudes an elegant aura in front of her trainees and geisha but gushes over Hyun Bin's photo inside her room.

According to a media outlet, the appearance of the actor in the Hirokazu Kore-eda film was due to the huge craze of the rom-com K-drama "Crash Landing on You."

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To recall, the tvN series gained massive response not just in South Korea but in Japan as well. At the height of the broadcast, the rom-com series which stars reel to real lovers Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin took first place in their local chart for a long time. 

Besides Hyun Bin, other South Korean celebrities were also mentioned in the Japanese series. It includes Um Tae Woong and "Taxi Driver" star Lee Je Hoon.

Hyun Bin Movies: 'The Point Men' and 'Harbin'

While "Crash Landing on You" is Hyun Bin's last K-drama, the top star is booked and busy this 2023 with back-to-back movies.

With his big screen comeback in 2022, the 40-year-old actor headlines an interesting team-up with Hwang Jung Min for the action drama film "The Point Men."

Based on a true-to-life story, Hyun Bin transformed into a top-notch NIS agent named Park Dae Sik, who is a special agent and expert on the Middle East.

In one special mission, he worked alongside Korean diplomat, Jung Jae Ho, played by Hwang Jung Min.

Adding to the list of Hyun Bin's new movies is the upcoming film "Harbin."

Playing the role of An Jung Geun, the story was set in the early 1900s when Korean independence activists risked their lives during the Japanese occupation of the country.

Joining Hyun BIn as lead stars are Jo Woo Jin from "Narco Saints," Park Jung Min of "Hellbound," and Jeon Yeo Bin from "Vincenzo."

READ MORE: Hyun Bin Reveals Keeping the Famous 'Secret Garden' Tracksuit for THIS Special Reason

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Written by Geca Wills