INTERVIEW: Ahn Bo Hyun at 10 Years: “More Than Praise, I Tell Myself – I Can Keep Going”

“What compliment would I give myself? Honestly, instead of praise, I just want to say, ‘You can keep going.’”

That quiet determination captures where Ahn Bo Hyun stands today. This year marks the 10th anniversary of his debut—at least, the debut he and his fans have chosen to celebrate. Though he appeared in earlier projects and began his entertainment career as a model, many consider the 2016 film Hiya his true starting line. Filmed in 2014 when he was still a newcomer, his role as a rebellious younger brother left a lasting impression and quietly signaled the arrival of a new presence in Korean cinema.

From the Boxing Ring to the Runway—and Beyond

Long before cameras and scripts, Ahn Bo Hyun was known for something entirely different: boxing gloves. As a student at Busan Physical Education Middle and High School, he was a promising athlete who regularly qualified for the National Youth Sports Festival and the National Sports Festival. But just before entering college, an injury forced him to step away from the sport.

That abrupt ending led to a new beginning. Standing at 187cm, he turned to modeling in 2007, walking runways and building discipline in a different arena. Acting roles followed—small but meaningful appearances in dramas like Golden Cross and Descendants of the Sun. During those years, what started as curiosity slowly solidified into conviction: he wanted to become an actor.

His career gained momentum after Her Private Life in 2019. From there, he steadily built a reputation for versatility through projects such as Yumi’s Cells, My Name, and Military Prosecutor Doberman. In 2024, Chaebol X Detective became a major hit, earning confirmation for a second season.

Yet it was his most recent project that feels especially personal.

Healing Through Spring Fever

tvN’s Spring Fever wrapped on the 10th with a nationwide rating of 5.7% (Nielsen Korea). In the drama, Ahn transformed into Seon Jae-gyu—a blunt, misunderstood man with a fierce sense of justice and an unexpectedly tender heart.

“We started filming in the heat of summer and wrapped before winter,” he recalled. “Because we stayed in Pohang for so long, I felt grateful we completed it safely. Watching the final episode live brought back so many memories that I ended up contacting the cast and crew afterward.”

For him, the story’s happy ending felt especially meaningful. Jae-gyu, a character judged for his intimidating appearance and rough demeanor, ultimately found clarity and love. “That resolution made it even more touching,” Ahn said. “He was someone people avoided, but in the end, his sincerity was recognized.”

Crafting Seon Jae-gyu: Discipline and Detail

Preparation for the role demanded more than emotional depth. To embody Jae-gyu’s imposing presence, Ahn intentionally bulked up. “I thought a human, grounded strength would feel more intimidating than just showing abs,” he explained. With co-star Cha Seo-won also tall, maintaining physical balance on screen mattered.

His sharply edged hairstyle—nicknamed the “Lego head”—became a hot topic among viewers. It required precise trims twice a week and careful styling to avoid looking exaggerated. “It was probably the most difficult part,” he admitted with a laugh.

Filming in Guryongpo presented additional challenges. Summer heat gave way to biting coastal winds, making simple short-sleeve scenes unexpectedly tough. Though the Busan dialect came naturally to him, delivering lines that balanced authentic speech with viewer-friendly clarity required careful control.

“My hometown friends said at first it sounded a little awkward,” he shared. “But when they saw the subtitles matched perfectly, they said, ‘That’s not wrong.’ Locals seemed to recognize it right away.”

Action, Ad-Libs, and Unexpected Chemistry

Though marketed as a romantic comedy, Spring Fever demanded surprising physical stamina. “There were more running scenes than I imagined,” he laughed. “I ended up doing most of them myself because it looked more real.”

His romantic pairing with Lee Joo-bin developed organically. “The moment I saw her, I felt she was perfect for Yoon Bom. She has that cheeky yet protective charm.” Their now-discussed kiss scene, he said, wasn’t about technique. “It was Jae-gyu’s awkwardness—his nervous fists, his sincerity. That’s what made it beautiful.”

The set thrived on spontaneity. Many cast members freely ad-libbed, and the director embraced it. “Even lines like ‘sea view’ and ‘nice weather’ stayed in the broadcast,” he revealed. “The editing room seemed to enjoy it as much as we did.”

Awards, Reflection, and Growth

Last year brought a major milestone: Best New Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards for his role in The Devil Has Moved In.

“I’ve never been lucky with awards,” he admitted candidly. “Even being nominated meant everything. When I won, my phone died from all the calls. Friends told me, ‘You’ve won a once-in-a-lifetime award.’”

Rather than adding pressure, the win fueled gratitude and motivation. “It made me realize I’m enjoying this work. That joy makes me want to work harder.”

Strict with Himself, Softer Than Before

Ahn describes himself as someone who tends to use more “stick than carrot.” His boxing background instilled discipline—results tied directly to effort, no excuses. But acting, he says, is different.

“There’s so much you learn through experience—seeing, touching, feeling. If you’re too hard on yourself, it becomes emotionally exhausting. So I’m trying to be more positive, to give myself a little praise.”

Asked what season he feels he’s in now, he reflected thoughtfully. “I realized I don’t really like winter. Maybe I’m waiting for spring. The cold has passed, and I’m excited about what’s coming.”

With Flex X Cop 2 ahead and new projects on the horizon, he looks forward to exploring fresh sides of himself. Yet when asked what he most wants to say to himself after ten years in the industry, his answer remains grounded.

“I’ve had many moments when I wondered, ‘Is this right?’ I sought advice and questioned my choices. But as I continued confirming my own judgment, I realized I can move in the direction I’m considering.”

Instead of grand self-congratulations, Ahn Bo-hyun chooses perseverance.

“More than compliments, I just want to tell myself—I can keep going.”