Gu Seong Hwan starts English classes at 47 to connect with family

Actor Gu Seong Hwan has revealed the heartfelt reason behind his decision to start studying English at the age of 47: to communicate more smoothly with his sister's family residing in the United States. Gu, who felt the language barrier whenever he spoke with his niece—who can barely use Korean—decided to challenge himself with basic English studies because he wants to look her in the eye and talk directly rather than relying on translation applications.

In episode 665 of the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation variety show 'Home Alone,' which aired on September 18, Gu's journey at an English academy was highlighted.

During his visit to the academy, Gu explained his motivation. "The reason I am studying English is that my niece and brother-in-law live in the United States. They cannot speak Korean at all, and I cannot speak English at all," he said, expressing the difficulty of connecting with his family.

The most difficult part for him has been conversing with his niece. Gu described the experience as feeling like "talking to a wall," meaning that while their hearts are close, natural conversation is hindered by the language gap.

He ultimately decided to move away from relying on smartphone translation apps. "I am challenging myself to learn so that I can look into someone's eyes and speak English romantically, rather than just using an app," Gu said. His choice was not merely for self-improvement, but a heartfelt decision to facilitate direct conversation with his family.

Gu has been steadily attending basic classes for 30 minutes at a time. During the episode, he was shown participating in conversation study groups with students younger than himself. Rather than attempting to flaunt proficiency, his earnest struggle with clumsy pronunciation and expressions drew laughter and empathy from viewers.

In Gu's recent broadcasting activities, family has become a central pillar of his content. Through 'Home Alone,' he has showcased both his professional image as an actor and his life as an ordinary person by candidly revealing his home, daily routine, and lifestyle. This English study was embraced by fans as a quintessentially Gu Seong Hwan choice, as it stems from family relationships rather than flashy self-development.

Another topic surrounding Gu is the residence he lives in. Since appearing on the show, rumors have circulated regarding him being a "landlord" or "building owner" in relation to a villa in Gangdong District, Seoul, prompting Gu to clarify the facts.

Through his own channel, Gu admitted that the building belongs to his father, noting, "Whenever I appear on broadcasts, the controversy about being a landlord or building owner never ends."

He clarified, "This building does indeed belong to my father. I received it as a gift around 2021," adding that he paid all the necessary gift taxes at that time. He explained that he had been cautious about discussing his personal history on screen, which inadvertently led to various speculations.

Gu dismissed claims that he owns multiple buildings, calling them nonsense. He explained, "The claim that I own several buildings is untrue; we simply converted the family home we had lived in since we were young into a villa."

Regarding building management, he denied interpretations that he operates as a professional rental business manager. "Since my father's health is not good, all I do is manage the rooftop," he said.

Addressing the background of the property transfer, Gu mentioned his father's health. He explained that the gift was received in advance due to his father's condition, while clarifying that he does not reside in the building free of charge.

"I pay monthly rent to my father punctually," he emphasized. By distinguishing between ownership, residency, and the nature of the family property transfer, he clarified that the fact of receiving a gift is separate from the scale of economic profit generated by the building.

Gu is an actor who has been active in both films and dramas since his debut in the 2004 film 'Low Life.' Rather than pursuing a flashy leading-man image, he has built a strong presence by playing characters with distinct personalities, and has recently solidified his public recognition through variety shows.

In 'Home Alone,' his unpretentious lifestyle and sincere personality have helped him build a unique rapport with viewers. By showing everything from his home-cooked meals to his daily chores, he has connected with the audience as a relatable individual rather than just a celebrity.

This English study follows that same pattern. At nearly 50 years old, joining a basic class with younger students may not lead to perfect fluency, but it is driven by a specific, meaningful goal: talking to his niece.

His description of the language barrier as "talking to a wall" captures a sense of longing that goes beyond mere linguistics. Despite being close family, the inability to communicate created a distance he is now working to bridge.

Gu's choice differs from the typical self-improvement content seen in recent variety shows, which often focus on physical fitness or building professional credentials. His is a lifestyle-oriented pursuit aimed at human connection. Even in an era of advanced translation technology, his desire to "look into someone's eyes" highlights that language is a tool for building relationships, not just transferring information.

Ultimately, Gu's recent activities highlight his devotion to family over his status as a "building owner." While he has clarified the facts regarding his father's property, his primary focus remains his heartfelt attempt to bridge the gap with his family in the United States.