This is a review article written based on materials provided by the broadcaster.
Actor Heo Sung-tae, Shin Sung-rok, Jeong I-rang, and comedian Kim Hae-jun appeared on Radio Star, filling the studio with wide-ranging charm and unpredictable talk befitting a special titled "a thousand faces." Heo Sung-tae's unexpected charm and the revelation of other actors' good deeds, Shin Sung-rok's musical-level diligence likened to a grade 7 civil servant, Jeong I-rang's crazy execution, and Kim Hae-jun's explosive alter egos combined to deliver laughter and sincerity to viewers.
On the 10th, MBC's Radio Star (planned by Kang Young-seon / directed by Yoon Hye-jin, Hwang Yun-sang, Byun Da-hee) aired a special titled "Who among us has a thousand faces?" featuring Heo Sung-tae, Shin Sung-rok, Jeong I-rang, and Kim Hae-jun. The four amusingly shared behind-the-scenes stories from their fields, career turning points, and experiences of endurance and growth, creating deep empathy and uproarious laughter at the same time.
According to ratings research firm Nielsen Korea on the 11th, the "best one minute" of the previous day's Radio Star was claimed by Heo Sung-tae. The scene in which he revealed a good deed by Park Bo-gum, who worked with him, recorded the day's highest viewership.
First, Heo Sung-tae candidly recounted his process of switching careers from an LG Electronics salesperson to an actor from beginning to end. He recalled, "After graduating from Pusan National University with a degree in Russian language and literature, I worked at a large company, got married, and thought that only a stable life was filial duty," adding that by chance he auditioned for SBS's "miracle audition," placing among 15 out of 800 and opening the path to becoming an actor.
He also revealed the story of strong opposition from his mother and older brother. Heo Sung-tae recounted the bittersweet anecdote, saying, "My brother even said, 'Then I'll quit my job and become a singer,'" and after overcoming all that and succeeding as an actor, he appeared on Radio Star and sent a happy smile toward his expecting mother, saying, "Mom, are you watching?", making everyone laugh.
He said he watched the film The Man from Nowhere more than 300 times to study Won Bin, and revealed, "I did mind control saying, 'I am Won Bin' while performing the action scenes," which turned the studio into a sea of laughter. When Kim Gu-ra asked, "Aren't you the same age as Won Bin?", he answered, "Yes," causing another burst of laughter.
He also revealed behind-the-scenes stories from The Age of Shadows. Recalling the time he naturally fit in with Song Kang-ho and Um Tae-goo's pro-Japanese collaborator line in the film, he said, "Shin Sung-rok was in the uiyoldan, so he hung out with Gong Yoo and Han Ji-min," using the contrast as a joke. He added, "Um Tae-goo was the youngest who roasted dried pollack every day on set."
The revelation of good deeds by Park Bo-gum was extraordinary. Heo Sung-tae said, "I don't trust people easily, so I was suspicious of Park Bo-gum at first," but he disclosed anecdotes such as Park Bo-gum apologizing after hitting his face during filming and bringing lotion, and giving as a birthday present the clothes he had complimented as pretty, emphasizing, "Park Bo-gum is the real deal." He also drew attention by saying he is preparing to enter a smoking cessation camp thanks to Park Bo-gum's worry, who told him, "Don't smoke."
Shin Sung-rok showed the diligence and affection fitting his nickname "musical grade 7 civil servant." He said that after COVID-19 he became more accustomed to musical activities than drama, and when Heo Sung-tae said, "Once you fall into musicals, it's hard to return to drama," he was embarrassed, bringing laughter.
To promote his new work "The Man in hanbok," he appeared wearing a gonryongpo, drawing attention. Dressed in hanbok, his shout of "You must live diligently" overwhelmed the atmosphere of the recording itself.
He also continued the story about his 12-year-old pet dog "KakaoTalk dog." The nickname arose after appearing in My Love from the Star, combining his villain image and the dog's cuteness, and he revealed a recent episode at a train station where someone greeted him saying, "Please sign for KakaoTalk dog," causing uproarious laughter.
The story of having laser hair removal 10 years ago was also a hot topic. He said, "It was one of the most painful things in my life. Tears flowed," but added, "But now it's so smooth that I'm satisfied," prompting admiration from the MCs.
Shin Sung-rok also presented a talk comparing villain characters with Heo Sung-tae. "If Heo Sung-tae hyung is a villain who runs directly, I'm the chaebol villain who gives orders from behind," he said, wittily expressing the difference between the two.
Jeong I-rang said that even during a recession, she continued to get commercials and drama shoots thanks to her "crazy execution." She said she wrote a goal on a note saying, "Do three commercials, three dramas, and two films," shouted it every day, and all were achieved, surprising everyone.
She also freely shared an episode about being compared to Yeom Hye-ran and Park Ji-hwan. Saying, "I hear I resemble people regardless of gender," she linked that to the secret of SNL's longevity, prompting laughter. She then introduced the rhythm and tempo of SNL-style vulgarity and line delivery, completely overwhelming the set.
She said the intense expression scenes toward the husband during the filming of the movie Anemone were based on Heo Sung-tae's face, adding another round of laughter. The back-and-forth with Kim Gu-ra, who evoked her Jeong Myeong-ok days, once again showcased Jeong I-rang's unique sense.
Kim Hae-jun confessed that during his three years appearing on Delicious Guys his stomach expanded, saying, "I went from 85kg to 102kg," surprising everyone. He decided to diet and combined boxing with diet control, but later found out that his wife Kim Seung-hye had hidden lots of duck meat inside the vegetables, which provoked laughter.
Following Choi Joon, Taeyangin, and Lee Byung-hon, he even revealed a new alter ego, "female high school teacher Kim Hae-on," bringing together the alter ego universe. Kim Hae-on's distinctive lines and hand-blown reactions targeted Kim Guk-jin's tastes and turned the studio upside down. The "Jekyll and Hyde" parody he performed with Shin Sung-rok was also a memorable scene.
He also revealed newlywed life stories. Kim Hae-jun said, "I still haven't farted first," and recounted an episode where an air purifier reacted first, exposing him, and even revealed the story of being blamed for his wife's sleepy fart, dubbed the "romantic farter," making the recording a sea of laughter.
The special "Who among us has a thousand faces?" unfolded the honesty, surprises, and effort of the four active in various genres, making it a time filled with laughter, empathy, and the actors' sincerity.
Meanwhile, next week's broadcast on the 17th will feature Kim Tae-won, Lee Pil-mo, Kim Yong-myeong, and Shim Ja-yoon in a special titled "Please take care of the filmography." <
[Photo] OSEN DB, MBC
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