As he approaches the 30th anniversary of his acting debut, Han Sang-jin unexpectedly shows off his variety show DNA. A graduate of SBS talent recruitment, he has been adored for his bold performances in hit works such as 'White Tower', 'Lee San', 'The Sons of Sol Pharmacy', 'Deep-rooted Tree', 'The King's Doctor', 'Six Flying Dragons', and 'Judge from Hell', with his recent activities in variety shows standing out. He is busier than ever, having launched his first web variety show 'Busan Housewife Han Sang-jin' alongside 'Pinky Go', 'Knowing Bros', and 'What Do You Do When You Hang Out?'
His schedule has recently increased significantly, but he does not have a home in Seoul. Married to legendary women's basketball player Park Jung-eun in 2004, he moved to Busan after his wife became the head coach of the women's professional team Busan BNK Sum following her retirement. He travels back and forth between Seoul and Busan for work, but shows no signs of strain. While others may wonder, 'Why put oneself through this?', his positive mindset that 'I do what I enjoy' fills his life.
Recently, Han Sang-jin, who met with OSEN, noted about his guest appearance on the popular YouTube channel 'Pinky Go', "I didn't expect such a good reaction, and I didn't think people would find it enjoyable."
'Pinky Go', which boasts 2.76 million subscribers, features its main MC Yoo Jae-suk alongside new guests each week, engaging in easygoing chats. It has become a hot channel that many famous stars rush to join, with a full list of participants booked for the next six months.
Han Sang-jin said, "I've known Jaeseok since the early 2000s and he is a senior from Seoul Institute of the Arts. I occasionally greet him during holidays, and we would meet when I appeared on the programs he hosts for promotional purposes." He continued, "At that time, there was no place to promote the independent film 'Sunny Day' which was about to be released. It was made by producer Eom Yong-hoon of 'Silenced', and after experiencing ups and downs, it was really a long-awaited new work. I wanted to contribute in any way to promote for such a close brother, but the theater situation was not good, making it even harder to promote small independent films. So I gathered my courage and talked to Jaeseok about it."
He added, "He said that 'Pinky Go' was already booked for the first half of the year. I mentioned that at the time, but two months later, he contacted me to do 'Mini Pinky Go'. He said there was an opening." He recalled, "Jaeseok was concerned that Dan-yul and I might feel awkward, so he gathered Se-ho, who is originally close to us, so the four of us could meet. It was so much fun during filming. I worried a bit whether viewers would find it enjoyable, though."
'Pinky Go' was uploaded and I was surprised to find only positive comments. "As soon as the video went up, the director in charge of my manager called and said, 'Did you see the comments? They're strange. Everyone loves it too much.' (laughs) I really thanked Jaeseok. He also said it was so much fun, and suggested we formally do 'Pinky Go' for the stories we couldn't share. So a month later, we immediately shot another 'Pinky Go'," recounting that he had appeared three times just this year.
Han Sang-jin is being considered a strong candidate for the rookie award at the upcoming 'Pinky Go' award ceremony with Kyung-hoon Yoon and others. "To look a bit cool, I should say 'I'll concede to Kyung-hoon Yoon,' but I won't say that. (laughs) The award goes according to its merit," he expressed his enthusiasm, bringing laughter.
His variety show outings that started with 'Mini Pinky Go' have led to appearances on 'Knowing Bros' and 'What Do You Do When You Hang Out?' with his wife, director Park Jung-eun, and the launch of 'Busan Housewife Han Sang-jin.'
Recently, director Park Jung-eun gifted him a new phone and watch, embodying her support for her hardworking husband. "After watching 'Pinky Go', my wife said it was fun and changed my phone to a new one. Then she bought me a new watch for going on 'What Do You Do When You Hang Out?'. She originally had a smaller one, but she said, 'If this one is fun again, I'll buy you a new ultra watch.' (laughs) It seems she found it enjoyable. The day after watching 'What Do You Do When You Hang Out?', she brought me the ultra watch," he shared, bringing laughter.
[Photo] Provided by Billions, capture from 'Pinky Go'.
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