Rare Update Reveals Why “Korea’s Most Famous” Actor Hasn’t Returned To Acting In 16 Years

Actor Won Bin has not acted since his career-defining 2010 hit The Man From Nowhere. Yet, even after 16 years away from the screen, he remains one of Korean entertainment’s most famous and beloved names.

Now, a rare update about the actor has given fans a small glimpse into why he has not returned to acting in over a decade. In the upcoming episode of Kim Joo Ha’s Day & Night, veteran actor Park Geun Hyung will look back on his first meeting with Won Bin, whom he worked with on the 2000 K-Drama Kkokji.

The teaser showed Park Geun Hyung expressing regret over Won Bin’s long absence from acting. Won Bin has not appeared in a new project since The Man From Nowhere, leaving fans waiting 16 years for his next work. “Through many people, I keep telling him that actors like him need to come out and act,” Park Geun Hyung said, “But Won Bin hasn’t acted for a long time.”

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At that point, show host Kim Joo Ha surprised everyone by revealing that she is personally acquainted with Won Bin. After hearing Park Geun Hyung’s disappointment over Won Bin not acting, Kim Joo Ha shared that she had once asked the actor why he had not returned to acting since The Man From Nowhere.

According to Kim Joo Ha, Won Bin told her that the image/reputation from The Man From Nowhere was so strong that it made things difficult. “He said roles haven’t been coming in,” she explained.

Still, Kim Joo Ha said Won Bin has not given up on acting completely. In fact, he is reportedly still preparing himself in case the right role comes along.

Won Bin is still growing out his hair, actually. He said he’s preparing because he doesn’t know what kind of role might come.

— Won Bin

The update immediately drew attention, as Won Bin has remained one of Korea’s most famously absent top actors. After cementing his status through projects such as Autumn in My Heart, Taegukgi, Mother, and The Man From Nowhere, he effectively stepped away from the screen despite enormous public demand for his comeback.

Meanwhile, he married actress Lee Na Young in a private ceremony in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, in 2015. The couple welcomed their son later that same year. In 2025, the couple was spotted at a museum, throwing fans into an unexpected frenzy.

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