On the 391st episode of MBC's variety show 'The Manager,' aired on the 28th, actor Kwon Hwa-woon's extraordinary passion for running was revealed. Within just a year of starting running, he completed 13 marathons, achieving a 'Sub-3' record, finishing nine of them in under three hours. His dedication earned him the title of 'running monster' from running evangelist Sean.
Kwon's extreme dedication, where not a single second is wasted, drew attention. Starting his run before sunrise at 6 AM, he effortlessly covered 26km in the morning alone. Over 22 months, he ran a total of 7,748km in 1,150 hours, a testament to his consistent effort.
After his early morning runs, Kwon edits and uploads marathon videos to his channel and works on an essay set for release in the fall. In the evenings, he maximizes his time by working as a delivery partner. Even before attending the MBC Drama Awards, where he was nominated for Best Actor in a One-Act Drama, he was delivering orders, showcasing his belief in not wasting time. His manager, Kang Hyun-woo, aptly described him as a "relentless passion runner."
The emotional backstory of the Arctic Marathon, which gained attention on 'Extreme 84,' was also highlighted. Despite severe leg cramps, Kwon pushed through to complete the marathon, running an additional 20km, driven by the thought, "I would regret stopping here." His perseverance is now used in educational videos to inspire others. Due to his fast running pace, a professional marathon runner was hired as his dedicated filming director.
Kwon's genuine commitment to running stems from the transformative impact it has had on his life. Running at sunrise allows him to plan his day and increase productivity. His influence has extended to those around him, with more employees at 395 Entertainment, including his manager, taking up running and participating in marathons. Kwon personally reached out to publishers for his essay, aiming to motivate others with his story. His journey reflects how running has reshaped his approach to life, embodying the belief that "opportunities come to those who move." Kwon Hwa-woon's day is a textbook example of madness, passion, challenge, and diligence.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr