Shin Hyun-joon chases the teacher who told him to spread his wings

From tennis prospect to actor: how one teacher's words changed a life

Actor Shin Hyun-joon has stepped forward to find the high school teacher who led him toward a career in acting 40 years ago. Marking his 36th year since debut, Shin appeared as a client on Channel A's 'Detectives' Business Secrets,' requesting help to find his benefactor, Teacher Kim Eok-kwan, who made him the person he is today.

During his school years, Shin Hyun-joon was a promising prospect, even gracing the covers of tennis magazines. He utilized his talent to enter the Department of Physical Education at Yonsei University, but advice from his 12th-grade homeroom teacher, Kim Eok-kwan, became the turning point of his life. For the sake of his student's future, Teacher Kim told him, "Is physical education truly your dream? Even if your thoughts change once you get to university, never give up on your dream."

The courage that led to 'General's Son' debut, a teaching style continued as a professor of 16 years

After entering university, Shin Hyun-joon's interest shifted from sports to film. He became so obsessed with the profession of acting that he even participated in group projects for students in other majors. Eventually, he came across an audition notice for rookie actors for director Im Kwon-taek's film 'General's Son.' At a time when he was struggling and hadn't even told his parents, it was the words left by Teacher Kim Eok-kwan 40 years ago—"Spread your wings and pursue your dream"—that held him steady. He ultimately challenged the audition and made his debut playing the role of Hayashi in 'General's Son.'

Having succeeded as an actor, Shin Hyun-joon is also active as a professor of 16 years. He confessed that the way he treats his students resembles what he learned from his former teacher. "I realized I am doing to my students exactly what Teacher Kim Eok-kwan did for me," Shin said, expressing his gratitude to Teacher Kim for being a comfortable mentor to whom he could pour out his worries.

Desperation for a teacher in his 80s: will the reunion happen?

Teacher Kim Eok-kwan, whom Shin Hyun-joon is searching for, is presumed to be in his 80s. As much time has passed, the process of finding the teacher's whereabouts appears to be a difficult task. Through the broadcast, Shin expressed his desperate hope for a reunion, saying, "I just hope he is still alive."

The upcoming broadcast, including Shin Hyun-joon's story, will be released on Channel A's 'Detectives' Business Secrets' on the 27th at 10 PM.