Hyun Bin Participates in a Marathon

Currently serving in the Marines, Hyun Bin (real name, Kim Tae Pyeong) made a brief public appearance on Sept. 25 at the Han River Citizen’s Park in Seoul, as he ran in the “Seoul Reclamation Anniversary Marine Marathon Competition.”

Six months into his service working at Baengnyeong Island, Hyun Bin’s attendance attracted many domestic and international fans and reporters. They surrounded him as he appeared at the marathon wearing a red sweat shirt, apparantly having shed a few pounds and getting tanned from all the gruesome training.

The field was filled with 5,000 participants along with a tremendous number of fans and reporters, showing Hyun Bin’s popularity. A mass of fans stood with placards wishing the best for his 30th birthday.  

A fan who came to the event to see Hyun Bin said, “Today is a really special and meaningful day to me because it’s Hyun Bin’s birthday! I came early in the morning to Yeo Ui Do, but it’s so crowded that I can’t even see his face.” 

A fan from Japan said, “I’m so happy to see Hyun Bin~ but he looks like he lost a lot of weight.” 

Prior to the marathon, Hyun Bin spoke with a senior marine in a prudent manner. He was also seen briefly chatting with Congresswoman Na Kyung Won from the Grand National Party.

Ten minutes before the event, he warmed up in the tent. Senior Marine Jung Suk Won, Kim Heung Guk, and 400 exemplary senior marines prepared to run the 6.25km long course with Hyun Bin. 

The third annual “Seoul Reclamation Anniversary Marine Marathon Competition” was organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Marine Corps Headquarter. This event was held in remembrance of the historically significant event when the Marines won back the capital Seoul that had been taken during the 6.25 Korean War.