Athletic. Adventurous. A builder. Emotionally strong. Hardworking. A model-turned-actor, Ahn Bo-hyun is one of the most impressive South Korean personalities you’ll ever know.
Ahn Bo-hyun impressed everyone with his villainous role in JTBC’s Itaewon Class (2020) and showed versatility with his performances in Netflix’s My Name (2021), TVING’s Yumi’s Cells (2021), tvN’s Military Prosecutor Doberman (2022), and tvN’s See You In My 19th Life (2023).
Here are 100 things to know more about Ahn Bo-hyun with facts and stories gathered from various South Korean shows, media and magazine interviews, in random order:
1. He was a boxer.
Before making his acting debut, Bo-hyun”s agency revealed that he started out as a boxer in his teens. He participated in amateur boxing competitions and even won a gold medal at a national level. He also mentioned that he took up boxing to get high school benefits such as living in a dormitory and earning money, which helped lessen his family’s financial burdens.
2. He’s a long-time artist of FN Entertainment.
Bo-hyun is under the management of FN Entertainment for over 10 years now.
3. He grew up in Busan.
Bo-hyun was born on May 16, 1988 in Busan. He also grew up in the city and graduated from Busan Sports High School.
4. He worked odd jobs.
Before he was known in Itaewon Class (2018), Bo-hyun shared that he had to work part-time or odd jobs aside from acting to make ends meet and exercise physically. He worked at food courts, construction sites, gas stations, and even delivered newspapers.
5. He was appointed as honorary maritime police officer.
Namhae Coast Guard appointed Bo-hyun as honorary maritime police officer in November 2021. For a service of two years, he will carry out promotional activities for maritime police and public interest activities for maritime safety.
6. He gained 11 pounds of muscle for “My Name”.
According to Bo-hyun, he gained more than 5 kilograms or 11 pounds of muscle for his role in Netflix’s My Name (2021). He also monitored his diet “at least 300 days out of 365” while taking protein supplements.
7. His hobby is camping.
Bo-hyun is known for his camping hobby and shared that if his schedule permits during summer, he goes camping road trip or fishing or surfing.
8. He made donations to struggling women.
In honor of Menstrual Hygiene Day in May 2022, Bo-hyun donated “12,672 packages of sanitary napkins to women and young girls struggling to afford feminine hygiene products due to financial hardship” through a non-governmental organization (NGO), which is G Foundation.
9. He personally designed his home.
With the help of his friends from Busan, Bo-hyun designed and re-modeled his home from an old-fashioned to a modernized look with a new wallpaper, new lighting, a wood and marble interior, unique chandelier, and more.
10. He considers “Itaewon Class” the turning point of his life.
Bo-hyun talked about Itaewon Class (2020) and considered it the turning point of his life because of the opportunity it made for him to become known, playing the villain role. It also helped him focus on his acting career and halt from his multiple part-time jobs.
11. He loves “me time”.
Bo-hyun shared the importance of “me time” after a busy day, where he could ponder about life while taking time to relax with a glass of wine.
He said, “As you go about life, there wind up being more days when you reprimand and criticize yourself than days when you fully love yourself. I think that I occasionally need time to encourage and cherish myself by saying, ‘You did a great job. You’re doing well.’”
12. He’s a fan of WINNER.
It was revealed that Bo-hyun is a fan of WINNER and that he enjoyed filming Kairos (2020) with WINNER’s Kang Seung Yoon.
13. He’s interested about action scenes.
A boxer himself in the past, he’s always been interested and curious about doing action scenes until a police officer role for Netflix’s My Name (2021) was offered to him. It was a dream come true.
14. He doesn’t like inconveniencing others.
Just like his character, Goo Woong in Yumi’s Cells (2020), Bo-hyun shared that he doesn’t want to place burden on others so he often doesn’t just share his pain with anyone.
During his guest appearance with his mom in “Home Alone”, he explained, “There were times that were hard or painful. But I didn’t want to share those feelings with my mom, because it seemed like it would be harder on her. I wanted to just tell her about happy things and show her that I was doing a good job.”
15. He started out as a model.
Bo-hyun quit boxing and ventured the entertainment industry as a model in 2007 under the management of FN Entertainment.
16. He debuted in movie in 2016.
For the first time, Bo-hyun appeared on the big screen in a main role through Hiya (2016), a story about two brothers. He played Lee Jin-sang, an ex-convict who struggles to make his younger brother a singer.
17. He doesn’t like misunderstandings.
When asked about his style of romance, Bo-hyun revealed that he’s unlike Goo Wong in Yumi’s Cells (2020). He explained, “I don’t do things that could cause someone to become angry or to misunderstand. I know all too well that it won’t do me any good.”
18. He went to action school for “My Name”.
Bo-hyun shared that he went to action school for 2-3 months for his role in Netflix’s My Name (2021).
19. He’s interested with film cameras.
Getting to know WINNER’s Kang Seung Yoon through Kairos (2020) was also a time for Bo-hyun to get into the world of film cameras. He shared that Seung-yoon taught him how to use it.
20. He was listed in Elle Japan’s Hallyu Best Actor.
In 2022, Bo-hyun ranked 4th in Elle Japan’s Top 16 Hallyu Best Actor.
21. He keeps his distance when he likes someone.
When asked about liking someone, Bo-hyun revealed, “When I’m in front of the person I like, I’m more sparing with my words, and I keep my distance.”
22. He has achieved 6 awards, so far.
So far, Bo-hyun has achieved 6 wins out of 12 nominations, including “Rising Star Actor of The Year” at the 2020 Brand of the Year Awards and 2020 Korea First Brand Awards, “Best Emotive Award” at the 2020 Asia Artist Awards, and “Excellence Award, Actor in an OTT Drama” at the 2022 APAN Star Awards.
23. He auditioned a lot with Lee Hakjoo.
In the variety show “Knowing Bros” in 2020, Bo-hyun revealed that he and Lee Hakjoo became friends after joining a lot of auditions. “We auditioned for the same piece and failed together,” he said.
24. He is persistent.
Just like his character, Do Kyun in the drama Kairos (2020), Bo-hyun shared that he is passionate and persistent in achieving his goals.
25. He was a co-host for a cooking show.
Bo-hyun participated as a co-host in the cooking-travel show, The Backpacker Chef (2022). With only one backpack that contains kitchen tools, the hosts travel to different unfamiliar places to prepare dishes within a limited time for unfamiliar guests.
26. He wants a “Humor Cell”.
When asked about what type of cell he wants to have, Bo-hyun replied that he’s not a funny person and would like to have the “Humor Cell”.
27. He played a soldier in “Descendants of the Sun”.
Before his rise to stardom, Bo-hyun worked with Song Joong-ki and played Im Gwang-nam, also know as Piccolo, a First Sergeant in the mega hit drama, Descendants of the Sun (2016).
28. He goes all in when in love.
When asked about dating someone, he explained that he shares everything with that person from challenges to joys, and avoids keeping secrets. He said, “I’m the type who wants to do everything I can for that person and treat them well, the type who goes all in.”
29. He’s on YouTube.
30. He’s lived alone for more than a decade.
Bohyun was described as the “master of living alone with 17 years of experience” at the “Home Alone” show. He also mentioned during GQ Korea interview, “I’ve spent a lot of time by myself because I began living alone earlier than those my age. Because of that, I searched around for ways to heal on my own and began getting into new hobbies.”
31. His role model is Paik Jong-won.
Bo-hyun revealed that Paik Jong-won, a famous South Korean chef and host of several cooking shows, is his role model and drinking buddy. He said that Chef Paik often invites him to his house and he spends a lot of time with him and his family.
32. He prepared a western dish for his mom on a TV show.
During his “Home Alone” appearance, Bo-hyun prepared a western dish for his mom. The four-course meal included an oil pasta, “It’s the first time I’ve ever cooked a meal for you,” he said.
33. He’s played roles in over 20 titles.
Bo-hyun debuted as a small screen actor in 2014 and has played over 20 roles from cameo to supporting to main in various dramas, including Descendants of the Sun (2016), Her Private Life (2019), Itaewon Class (2020), Kairos (2020), Yumi’s Cells (2021-22), Military Prosecutor Doberman (2022), and See You In My 19th Life (2023).
34. He owns a 1996-style car.
Bo-hyun showed his dream car to the world, a 1996-style car. He said, “It’s my dream car that I’ve wanted ever since I was young. I’ve had it since my mid-twenties.”
35. His ideal woman is:
Bo-hyun revealed that her ideal type of a woman is someone who is good to her parents and elders, has good manners, is passionate about her work, and one who can cook. It’s a standout for Bo-hyun when a woman loves and values herself. In another interview, he also shared that even if he’s not a funny guy, he likes it when a person laughs at his jokes and finds joy in the simple things of life like camping and cooking with him.
36. He appeared in a Chinese drama.
Bo-hyun appeared and played the role of Bi De in the Chinese drama, Investiture of the Gods (2019), a love story about two people in the two rival countries.
37. He is organized at home.
Bo-hyun lives alone in an apartment and has shown it to the world through the show, “Home Alone”. His place revealed a dressing room with clothes neatly organized and a storage room where he stores his sports and camping items.
38. He joins variety shows for his grandma.
Bo-hyun talked about his appearances in various variety shows and revealed that he mainly joins the TV programs for his grandmother who enjoys watching him on the shows on repeat.
39. He auditioned for “Itaewon Class” more than 5x.
Bohyun revealed that he auditioned for the villain role of Jang Geun Won in Itaewon Class (2020) more than five times. He said, “I auditioned for that project more than five times. I made them certain that they had to pick me and that I was more confident than anyone else.”
40. He rides his bike from Seoul to Busan.
During his GQ Korea interview, Bo-hyun talked about being self-reliant and enjoying quality time by himself. He said, “I drive around in my old car, travel around the country riding my bike from Seoul to Busan, and camp in my car.”
41. He received a YouTube Silver Play Button in 2020.
Bo-hyun launched his official YouTube channel, “Bravo Hyun” in February 2019 and reached 100,000 subscribers in a year. In April 2020, he received the plaque, YouTube Silver Play Button and vlogged about it.
42. He has big hands.
Bo-hyun has big hands and told the hosts of “Home Alone” that he’s embarrassed of the size of his hands because they look like photoshopped when he wears long sleeves during his modeling days.
43. He appeared in a Japanese drama.
For the first time, Bo-hyun appeared and played a leading role in the Japanese drama, A Place You Can Come Back Anytime (2022). It was released on YouTube in November 2022.
44. He received multiple scripts after
“Itaewon Class”.
During his interview with W Korea, Bo-hyun shared that he was contacted multiple times when Itaewon Class (2020) ended. He said, “I was contacted multiple times, saying that they wanted to have a meeting with me, and I was given scripts.”
45. He appeared in “Running Man”.
In April 2020, Bo-hyun made a guest appearance in the variety program, “Running Man”.
46. He’s emotionally strong.
Bo-hyun talked about facing life’s difficulties and dealing with personal challenges alone. He said, “I learned how to survive on my own, so I’m full of maturity. I think I matured while facing and enduring more obstacles than my peers. I lived life while being harsh on myself.”
47. His soul food is ramyeon.
Bo-hyun shared that his soul food is ramyeon or instant noodles and he makes it his reward if he exercises with diligence. He also mentioned that he enjoys watching the show, “The Man Who Cooks Ramen” and tries to follow Kang Ho Dong‘s cooking style everytime he goes camping.
48. He introduced camping to EXO’s Sehun.
In one episode of “Home Alone”, Bo-hyun went camping with EXO’s Sehun and introduced to him his hobby, making his friend happy. “I feel really happy. I’m always home and even if I go out, it’s always the same places,” Sehun said.
Together, they made dalgona coffee, sat on the rooftop of Bo-hyun’s car while talking about life and work. They worked together in a web drama, Dokgo Rewind (2018) and became close friends.
49. He likes home-cooked meals than food delivery.
Bo-hyun shared that he cooks for himself and rarely orders food delivery. He said, “I’ve never ordered fried chicken once in my life.”
50. He transformed his car into a camping car.
A camping lover, Bo-hyun revealed that he transformed the interior of his car into a camping car and mentioned that the camping equipment in his car has grown.
51. His younger sister is a fan of the webtoon, “Itaewon Class”.
Bo-hyun revealed that his younger sister is a fan of the original webtoon, Itaewon Class, and even showed concern that he might receive hate if he plays the villain character poorly.
52. He played unrequited love In “Her Private Life”.
Bo-hyun played the secondary role, Nam Eun-gi, in Her Private Life (2019) with Park Min-young and Kim Jae-wook. Nam Eun-gi grew up together with the main girl and has always been there for her but her heart beats for someone else.
53. He is close friends with Kim Woo-bin.
Bo-hyun shared that he considers his close friend, Kim Woo Bin as the most important person in his acting career. They both graduated from the same modeling school. He explained, “Before we met as actors, I even borrowed his clothes once for a school event. When I was in the army, he was the only one that came to visit me.”
54. He shot his first commercial in April 2020.
55. His name means:
Ahn means “comfortable”. Bo means “big”. Hyun means “wise”.
56. He loves sunset.
Bohyun shared that he loves to watch the sun setting down when camping.
57. He keeps fan letters.
Bo-hyun revealed through his vlog that he keeps letters from fans.
58. He likes black and white.
Bo-hyun’s favorite colors are black and white. His least favorite is pink.
59. He started camping in his mid 20s.
Bohyun was around 24 or 25 when he started his passion for camping out of curiosity.
60. He thought about giving up acting.
Bo-hyun shared that being an actor is hard and he even thought of giving up many times. But he always ended up with the decision of staying with faith in self and the confidence that someday, doors will open for him.
61. He’s a drinking buddy.
Bo-hyun revealed that he can drink around four to five bottles of Soju until sunrise.
62. He filmed another commercial in June 2020.
63. He had a secret camping site.
According to Bo-hyun, his favorite secret camping site used to be “Un Yuh Beach” but it was transformed into a national park and camping is no longer allowed there.
64. He is tall.
Bo-hyun stands 187 cm or 6 feet and 2 inches tall.
65. He is close friends with the cast of Itaewon Class.
The cast of Itaewon Class (2020) spent almost seven months of filming and they all became close friends, according to Bo-hyun.
66. He went to Daekyung University.
Bo-hyun studied modeling at Daekyung University.
67. He goes to the gym.
68. He had a huge crush on Song Hye-kyo.
Bo-hyun played a soldier in Descendants of the Sun (2016) where he had the opportunity to work with top stars Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo. During a radio interview with MBC in 2018, he talked about having a huge crush on Song Hye-kyo who came to the drama’s team dinner barefaced with her hair up, simply looking beautiful.
69. He likes determined and diligent people.
Bo-hyun talked about how he likes people who are diligent, determined, and have a clear view of one’s self.
70. He makes healthy orange juice.
Bohyun shared his healthy orange juice recipe: orange, tonic water, kin cider, and honey.
71. Lip balm is essential for him.
Bo-hyun keeps two tubes of lip balm in his bag and said that he uses it everyday and cannot live without it. His fans also send him loads of lip balm.
72. He dislikes cucumber.
Bo-hyun revealed that cucumber is his least favorite to eat.
73. He dislikes people with strong personalities.
Bo-hyun shared that he dislikes a person who has a strong personality and very assertive or bossy type in nature.
74. His feet size is 280mm.
According to Bo-hyun, his feet size is 10 in US size or 280mm.
75. He keeps a tiny speaker.
Bo-hyun shared that he keeps a very tiny speaker in his bag that he’s been bringing around for more than seven years now. He said that it produces a powerful loud sound even though it’s tiny and that he uses it during filming and driving.
76. He had a tough filming experience during Itaewon Class.
The fighting scene with Park Seo-joon outside the hospital while raining was the hardest part of shooting for Bo-hyun in Itaewon Class (2020). According to him, it was cold with rain sprinklers and it took more than ten hours to finish the filming of that scene.
77. He pastes fan stickers on his scripts.
Bo-hyun showed his drama scripts with stickers on it given to him by his fans.
78. He has six pillows.
According to Bo-hyun, he has about six to seven pillows in bed. It helps him go to sleep when he hugs his pillows.
79. He’s a binge-watcher.
Bo-hyun revealed that he likes shows that get him immersed quickly and can watch in one sitting, such as:
Stranger Things (2016), The Two Popes (2019), My Mister (2018), Kingdom (2019), Extracurricular (2020), and D.P. (2021).
80. He is sensitive to cold weather.
During an interview with NewAde, Bo-hyun said that winter is his least favorite season because he has mood swings and is sensitive to the cold.
81. He likes “Extracurricular”.
Bo-hyun picked Extracurricular (2020) as one of his favorite shows. He was impressed by the drama’s unique content, cinematography, and cast performances. Curious, he looked up the director’s name, which he normally doesn’t do, and became a fan of Kim Jin-min who also helmed My Name (2021).
82. He wears gifts from fans.
To express gratitude to his fans, he wears or uses gifted items from them like lip balm, sunglasses, and others.
83. He loves the fireplace when it snows.
When winter comes and snow begins to fall, Bo-hyun loves the fireplace and to stare at the fire.
84. His MBTI is INFJ.
Bo-hyun shared that his MBTI is INFJ, which is also referred to as the “Advocate” or the “Idealist”. It is said that this type of personality is compassionate and quietly inspiring, and enjoys helping others grow and develop.
85. He likes “Stranger Things”.
According to Bo-hyun, the series of Stranger Things (2016) brought him back to his childhood, feeling like he was becoming one with the kids. He also recommends for others to watch the great series.
86. He won “Excellence Award in Acting”.
Bo-hyun won the “Excellence Award, Actor in an OTT Drama” at the 2022 APAN Star Awards for his performances in My Name (2021) and Yumi’s Cells (2021).
87. He played a wrestler.
Bo-hyun played a wrestler with superhuman strength in the web series, Dokgo Rewind (2028). He worked with EXO’s Se-hun, Jo Byeong-kyu, and Mina.
88. He can sing.
89. He had an extraordinary experience in China.
In one episode of “Knowing Bros”, Bo-hyun shared that his grocery bags full of food were robbed by four stray dogs during his stay in China for a drama filming. He went home with nothing left to eat.
90. He won “Rising Star Actor of the Year” .
After his impressive performance in Itaewon Class (2020), Bo-hyun was recognized and achieved the award “Rising Star Actor of the Year” at the 2020 Brand of the Year Awards and 2020 Korea First Brand Awards.
91. He has a killer move.
Although he often he uses “dialect” on variety shows, Bo-hyun hopes to show everyone his killer move in a drama.
92. He has great visuals.
With his towering height and toned body, Bo-hyun looks great in all of his visuals, onscreen or in magazines.
93. He debuted in drama in 2014.
Bo-hyun was cast in his first drama role in Golden Cross (2014).
94. He earned a nomination at Baeksang.
Bo-hyun was nominated for Best New Actor at the 2020 Baeksang Arts Awards for his role in Itaewon Class (2020).
95. He often bikes along Han River.
96. He won “Best Emotive Award’.
Bo-hyun appeared and impressed with his roles in two different dramas in 2020, including Itaewon Class and Kairos. He was recognized at the 2020 Asia Artist Awards and received two awards, “Best Emotive Award'” and “Choice Award”.
97. He has a great body.
98. He has a new drama in 2024.
FN Entertainment confirmed the casting of Bo-hyun in the upcoming drama Gold Spoon (2024). He will play an immature third generation chaebol who becomes a detective.
99. He’s dating BLACKPINK’s Jisoo.
After Dispatch Korea released photos of Bo-hyun’s dating life, his agency confirmed that he is indeed in a romantic relationship with Jisoo of BLACKPINK.
100. He always brings his film camera.
A photography enthusiast, Bo-hyun always brings his film camera to taping sets and take photos of co-actors and staff. He prefers using it than his mobile camera, then he gives them the prints. He explained, “There’s beauty in being analog and it’s a must-have item for me.”
That is Ahn Bo-hyun, ladies and gentlemen.
By KORB Blog Team
Cover image: FN Entertainment
KORB 