Shin Hyun-joon inspired by veteran actor Shin Young-kyun's discipline at 97

The incredible recent status of veteran actor Shin Young-kyun, a living legend of Korean film history, has been revealed.

Born in 1928 and turning 98 this coming November, news that Shin is maintaining his health through consistent exercise is drawing admiration from many, including actor Shin Hyun-joon.

On the 3rd, Shin posted a photo taken with Shin Young-kyun on his SNS.

In the photo, the two are sitting side by side at a fitness facility. “I am greatly inspired seeing Shin Young-kyun teacher, who is 97 years old, exercising so consistently,” Shin wrote.

He continued to share his philosophy, stating, “Managing one's body as an actor is a given, but for me, it is not simply management for appearance. It is a responsibility to show good acting for a long time, and a promise as a father of three children to stay healthy longer to be with them.”

-Self-management continuing even at 97—A touching message

To Shin, Shin Young-kyun's appearance holds a meaning beyond simple health management.

For an actor who has stood before the camera for decades, managing the body and mind is a responsibility toward their works and the audience.

In particular, Shin Young-kyun is a representative actor who led the golden age of Korean cinema, serving as a role model for juniors through his unwavering self-management and attitude toward life despite his advanced age.

His recent status once again demonstrates the fact that the profession of an actor is not completed by momentary popularity, but is an art built by disciplining oneself over a long period of time.

-From dentist to actor—A late debut at age 32—The face of Korean film

Shin Young-kyun's life journey is as dramatic as a movie.

After graduating from Seoul National University College of Dentistry, he walked a stable professional path, but jumped into the film industry at the relatively late age of 32.

After debuting in the 1950s film "A Widow," he exerted an unrivaled presence and grew into an actor representing the Korean film industry.

Since then, he has risen to the ranks of the greatest stars of the era, appearing in numerous works such as "Yeonsangun," "The Extra Mortals," "Sorrow Even Up in Heaven," and the "Love Me Once Again" series.

In particular, he decorated an era of Korean film by handling a wide range of genres from historical dramas to melodramas with intense charisma and deep acting skills.

-Beyond an actor to a social role... Steps for artistic development

Shin Young-kyun continued to show interest in social roles as well as acting activities.

In the 15th National Assembly election in 1996, he was elected as a proportional representative for the New Korea Party, and later in the 16th National Assembly election in 2000, he experienced political activity by successfully winning re-election as a proportional representative for the Grand National Party.

Later, in 2010, he contributed to the development of Korean culture by establishing the Shin Young-kyun Arts and Culture Foundation to support junior artists.

-“A good actor does not end with age”

Shin Young-kyun's recent status is not just news about a veteran actor's health.

The sight of an actor who once dominated an era still managing himself and maintaining passion for life poses the question, "What is retirement for an actor?"

This is also where the emotion felt by Shin Hyun-joon lies.

Shin Young-kyun, who continues to exercise and cultivate his life even at the age of 97, delivers a message to his juniors: "An actor is not a being that ends the moment they step down from the stage, but every moment of living is a part of acting."

Shin Hyun-joon is continuing his steady acting career, appearing in the film "Wanted," which was released last June.