After a 15-year hiatus from acting, South Korean star Won Bin has captivated the nation with his appearance in a new commercial.
On January 6, the cosmetics brand Incellderm released its latest TV ad via its official YouTube channel, showcasing the actor in a sleek white suit. His ageless beauty, at 47 years old, left fans in awe, as did his signature deep voice narrating the commercial.
The ad features various angles of Won Bin, highlighting his flawless, sculpted visuals. His return to advertising marks a shift from his 16-year-long association with a popular coffee beverage brand, much to the delight of longtime fans.
Won Bin, who debuted in 1997 with KBS2’s 'Propose', built a stellar career with dramas like 'Autumn in My Hear't and 'Friends', as well as box-office hits such as 'Guns & Talks', 'Taegukgi', and 'Mother'. However, since his intense action role in the 2010 film 'The Man from Nowhere', he has taken an extended break from acting.
During his hiatus, Won Bin married actress Lee Na-young in a private ceremony in his hometown of Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, in 2015, and the couple welcomed their son later that year. Despite numerous offers for roles in high-profile dramas like 'The King 2 Hearts', 'Descendants of the Sun', and 'That Winter, the Wind Blows', as well as blockbuster films like 'Train to Busan', 'The Battleship Island', and 'Along with the Gods', he reportedly declined them all.
In 2019, a controversy arose when a press release for a photoshoot featuring Won Bin requested media outlets avoid referring to him as an "actor." This fueled speculation about his retirement, which his agency promptly denied, clarifying that the request came from the advertiser, not from Won Bin himself.
Fashion designer Ji Chun-hee, a close friend of Won Bin, shared on a TV program last year, “I don’t think he’s avoiding acting. It seems like he feels a lot of pressure. He’s still reviewing projects.” Similarly, his wife Lee Na-young hinted at his potential return, stating, “He’s actively looking at scripts. He’s interested in good projects and feels inspired. Just wait a little longer.”
The recent commercial reignited fans’ anticipation for Won Bin’s comeback, with overwhelmingly enthusiastic reactions flooding online. Comments like, “How does he still look like that? He’s unreal!” and “Please, just one more movie!” reflect the admiration for his timeless appearance. Fans marveled at his seemingly ageless looks, stating, “This man doesn’t age; it’s like time doesn’t apply to him,” while others humorously compared him to younger stars, saying, “Won Bin and Cha Eun-woo could be rivals in visuals!” Summing up the sentiment, one fan declared, “His face is a national treasure. We need him back on screen!”
Despite a 15-year absence from acting, Won Bin’s enduring popularity and undeniable star power have sparked renewed calls for his return to the screen.