Ha Jung-woo Opens Up About Life, Love, and Art on 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore'

Coupang Play's variety show 'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' welcomed its first guest, Ha Jung-woo, on October 6th.

'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore' features 'Hocrates' (Kang Ho-dong), a bookstore owner with a loud voice but a tender heart, who engages in heartfelt conversations with guests about their lives.

Ha Jung-woo kicked off the show by introducing his life book, 'Letters to a Young Poet,' and shared stories about his choices and dreams that he had never revealed before. As an actor, director, painter, and writer, he captivated the audience with his humorous storytelling about life's challenges and amusing anecdotes.

The actor also addressed recent dating rumors with unprecedented honesty, drawing attention. When asked if he was happy, he replied, 'I am happy,' and explained that there's nothing strange about dating, though he finds it a bit embarrassing.

Ha Jung-woo's candid confessions didn't stop there. He expressed regret over 'some wrong investments' and discussed his growth as a director, acknowledging that 'one cannot be satisfied with the first attempt, and becoming a good director requires time.' He also shared a touching story about his art exhibition in New York, where only one painting was sold, eliciting bittersweet laughter.

After hearing Ha Jung-woo's diverse life stories, 'Hocrates' pondered over the value of his life book. Ha Jung-woo humorously insisted that the recent dating episode should be considered as a 'bonus chapter.' In the end, 'Hocrates' presented him with 'Don Quixote,' symbolizing life's adventures and challenges, and offered heartfelt encouragement to continue pursuing his dreams.

'Kang Ho-dong's Bookstore,' where the world's most charming bookstore owner 'Hocrates' and extraordinary guests share sincere answers, airs every Friday at 4 PM exclusively on Coupang Play.

Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr