Kim Hyun-woo Returns to 'Heart Signal' as Interior Director After 8 Years

Kim Hyun-woo, a former participant of 'Heart Signal 2', has made a rare return to television after approximately 8 years since the show's conclusion.

On September 28, the YouTube channel 'Heart Signal Labitv' released a video titled 'Is There a Secret in Heart Signal 5's Signal House? Kim Hyun-woo as the Interior Director?!'. The channel introduced the video by saying, "Legendary 'Heart Signal 2' participant Kim Hyun-woo returns after 9 years! This time, not as a participant, but as the director of the Signal House for Season 5. Discover the behind-the-scenes of the Signal House completed with his aesthetic sense, from the floors to the props."

In 'Heart Signal 5', Kim Hyun-woo took on the role of the interior director for the Signal House. He revealed that he is currently involved in the interior design business and explained the background of his involvement in this project.

Kim Hyun-woo stated, "There were things that felt lacking, like it didn't feel like a home. You always see people wandering around the house. I thought, 'Would it be different if I did it?' and then I got the opportunity to do it." He added, "When I first came to see this house, it felt like an embassy. I wanted it to have the original lived-in feel that I felt was missing from other Signal Houses. I aimed for a clean and refreshing atmosphere."

Reflecting on his long absence from interviews, Kim Hyun-woo said, "It's been almost 10 years since my last interview." When asked about his age during 'Heart Signal 2', he laughed and said, "I was 33 back then. Why bring up age?"

He also reminisced about the explosive popularity during his time on 'Heart Signal 2'. Kim Hyun-woo mentioned, "At first, I didn't pay much attention to the popularity. I didn't think the impact of the show would last long." He continued, "But the interest kept growing, and when the show aired, it was almost overwhelming."

He recalled, "When I went to my store, there was a line stretching 2-300 meters. People were sitting on mats from 9 AM, even though the store opened at 12 PM. I thought, 'This is serious, why is it like this?'" He also shared, "I couldn't show my face around. I had never watched 'Heart Signal'. Even after being offered, I didn't watch it. I didn't know we had to live together and thought it was just a few visits. But when I was told to pack my bags, I realized, 'Oh, there's a show like this.' My sister suggested I try it, so I did."

After gaining significant popularity from 'Heart Signal 2' in 2018, Kim Hyun-woo faced controversy when his DUI incident was revealed. He was caught with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.238% (license revocation level) near Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul. The Seoul Central District Court fined him 10 million won. This was his third DUI offense, following previous fines in 2012 and 2013, which added to the shock.

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