intermission - NEXT SCENE - It is always nice to be considered for a good role, but Hyun Bin also needs to be convinced he is the best man for the job before he takes it. “Even if it is a show that I really want to do, it would be meaningless if I cannot express my character properly.”
CONSCRIPTION IN SOUTH KOREA has existed since 1957, and it is mandatory for male citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 to perform military service. Typically, anything that is compulsory y doesn’t engender passion towards it. Thus, most men complete their national service out of enured obligation but Hyun Bin is not most men. He volunteered to serve in the Marine Corps, considered to be the toughest branch of the Korean military. With a competition rate of 4:1, Hyun placed within the top five per cent of applicants, eventually becoming one of 16 top marksmen in his cohort of 720 Marine recruits.
Seeing as how the Korean Armed Forces suddenly had a bonafide celebrity and military hero-in-the-making, they had originally planned to put him on public relations duty but intense public scrutiny and Hyun’s own desire to serve his country as a true soldier saw him assigned to the literal front lines of Baengnyeong Island, close to the Northern Limit Line and Yeonpyeong, site of a November 2010 artillery engagement between the North and South Korean forces. By the time he was discharged in 2012, the actor had earned the Secretary of Defense Award and the Marine Corps Commandant Commendation for being an exemplary soldier.
This story is from the Issue 176 edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 176 edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Just Because A Thing Sounds Good In Theory Doesn't Mean That It's Necessary
Sometimes, it’s only right that the why’ trumps the what’.
Like A Slow Boat To China
Belmond Senior Vice President Brand and Marketing Arnaud Champenois tells Augustman that quiet luxury’ is yesterday’s trend. A focus on experiences and stories to tell is heralding a new trend slow luxury.
Rings To Rings Is Beyond Three Generations
This Year, Cartier Celebrates 100 Years Of Trinity With A Party Held Across The Three Monumental Cities For The Maison.
A Man Of Interest
Singaporean Actor Ayden Sng Is A Pond With Undiscovered Depth.
Remember Me For Centuries
Loro Piana celebrates a hundred years of legacy and heritage, built upon the foundation of artisanal expertise.
How Real Are We Going To Get?
In space, everyone can hear you scream about representation.
The Art Of Connecting People With Mandala Club's Ben Jones
For the past few years, Mandala Club has been the site of some of the greatest parties and social events. We look at what makes the social club so brilliantly... social.
ART ON WHEELS
RECENTLY SOLD to a mysterious Singaporean buyer, Rolls-Royce presented the stunning coachbuilt Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail.
THE SANCTUARY OF THE HEART
Tucked away in the quiet of Magelang, facing the majestic Candi Borobudur and the ring of volcanic mountains, lies the tranquil resort of Amanjiwo, a home for the wandering soul.
Wander
Set your mind, body and soul at ease while satisfying your wanderlust..
