Bae Hyun-sung on Global Success with 'Assembled Family' and Future Aspirations

"'Assembled Family', 'Gyeongseong Creature Season 2', and 'Hellbound Season 2' were released around the same time. Before 'Assembled Family' aired, I had about 700,000 followers, but now I have 1.38 million (laughs). Seeing more foreign language comments makes me realize that international fans are increasing. I think it's because 'Assembled Family' is available on global OTT platforms, allowing many people to love it."

This was shared by Bae Hyun-sung during an interview for JTBC's drama 'Assembled Family' at a cafe in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 26th. Hwang In-yeop, who starred alongside Bae in 'Assembled Family', surpassed 20 million followers thanks to his global popularity from the drama 'True Beauty', and Bae is also receiving love from international fans.

'Assembled Family' is a romance drama about three youths who were a family for ten years and then strangers for another ten, reuniting once again. In the drama, Bae Hyun-sung plays the role of Kang Hae-jun, a bright and sunny basketball player.

"I attended the same school as my younger sister in Jeonju. My old friends know I'm an actor, but I don't think I tell friends I've made since then. I'm introverted, but my sister is even shyer. Even if I tell her to mention it, she probably wouldn't (laughs)."

Bae Hyun-sung, who has a sister two years younger, described their relationship as "not extremely close, but not bad either. It's somewhere in the middle. Of course, my sister might feel differently," he said with a smile. He added, "We've always gotten along without major fights. When I call my family, we all talk together. I think we're harmonious."

"My sister is graduating soon. I'm thinking of surprising her at the graduation ceremony. She might not like it, though (laughs)."

Bae Hyun-sung sported an exceptionally short hairstyle for 'Assembled Family'. He commented, "At first, it felt very awkward. Now that my hair has grown, I can see my bangs, but when I first cut it, I couldn't see any hair," he laughed. He added, "It was very convenient when drying my hair."

He expressed satisfaction, saying, "I wanted to show a new look. I think it suited the basketball player role well, so I believe it was a good choice."

In the drama, Bae's character gives his parents 800 million won. When asked about his real-life plans for filial piety, he joked, "An 800 million won account might be too much," and added, "I'll ask what they like and do something big for them."

He shared, "There are sad scenes in almost every episode. My parents say they cry every time. Last week, I went home and watched the drama with my family. Seeing my parents cry while watching the show made me proud. I'm happy that not only my family but also others find it enjoyable."

"I want to appear on variety shows. I love 'Running Man' so much that I watch it every week. I'm more confident in physical variety shows than talk shows."

Bae Hyun-sung expressed his interest in various genres, saying, "I want to do sad romances and disaster genres. There are so many things I want to do, both in acting and variety shows."

When asked about his strengths as an actor, he replied, "I think it's my eyes. I like talking while looking into the other person's eyes, and many people have told me they like my gaze. I try to convey emotions through my eyes when acting."

"I'm just grateful every year. Being able to participate in projects and show different sides of myself, and receiving love from viewers because of it, makes me happy. This year has been truly valuable. I'll work hard next year to greet everyone with a good image."

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr