Byun Yo-han reveals reason for marrying Tiffany Young: 'She protects me'

Actor Byun Yo-han has revealed the special reason why he decided to marry Girls' Generation's Tiffany Young. Stating that he had always played the role of the protector in his relationships, he confessed that he has finally met someone who gives him courage and leads him to overcome his fears. It was the moment he came to accept marriage not merely as an extension of a relationship, but as a bond where both parties support one another.

Byun spoke about his married life and his relationship with Tiffany Young while appearing on the YouTube channel 'Choo Sung-hoon' on the 3rd, during a conversation with Choo.

On this day, Byun began by explaining why he visited the gym. He revealed that he practiced Taekwondo from elementary through high school and has continued to exercise steadily even after becoming an actor. However, he mentioned that there was a period when his health declined, causing him to take a break from exercise for about two years, a time when even going outside was not easy.

Seeking something to push past his limits, he headed back to the gym, stating, "I came to the gym because I wanted to be hit. I didn't go there because I wanted to hit someone." He explained that he wanted to test his own limits through combat sports. When Choo Sung-hoon asked, "Is that why you came today as well?", Byun elicited laughter by replying, "I came to see you, hyung."

As the conversation shifted to marriage, Byun revealed that he married this past February. He explained that they had been dating for about a year and a half. Since their relationship became public, the two have openly expressed their affection for each other, and as they work in different fields—acting and singing—the news of their marriage drew significant public interest.

In particular, when the production team asked about the reason he decided to marry, Byun's answer was more specific than expected. He said, "I always went on dates to protect my partner," noting that he was accustomed to the role of the protector in a relationship. However, he revealed that upon meeting Tiffany Young, he experienced, for the first time, "a woman who protects me."

Byun confessed that due to his health issues, he had been afraid of traveling by plane for about 10 years. While he had gradually expanded his range of movement by traveling short distances, he had not intended to overcome the fear of long-distance travel.

He recalled that Tiffany Young took the initiative by booking the flight tickets and telling him, "Trust me. Just follow me." He noted that she specifically arranged the best seat for him before they set off on the trip, and the moment they arrived at their destination, he thought to himself, "What is this feeling?"

He remarked, "I have been acting for a long time and I am not young, but I felt a new emotion." This implies that his perspective on relationships changed as he experienced being trusted and led by someone, rather than living a life where he was always the one protecting others.

Byun first gained attention through the 2011 film 'Saturday Shift' and has since expanded his acting range across independent and commercial films. He has built a strong presence through various genres and characters in works such as 'Misaeng,' 'Six Flying Dragons,' 'Mr. Sunshine,' 'Hansan: Rising Dragon,' and 'Uncle Samsik.' In particular, he has solidified his status as an actor by showing a wide spectrum, from characters requiring delicate emotional expression like Kim Hee-sung in 'Mr. Sunshine' to the role of a Japanese general in 'Hansan: Rising Dragon.'

Tiffany Young also built an important career during the global expansion of K-pop after debuting with Girls' Generation in 2007. Following the activities of Girls' Generation, which built a global fandom with hits like 'Gee,' 'Genie,' 'Run Devil Run,' and 'I GOT A BOY,' she expanded her field of activity through solo albums, musicals, and acting. Her experience of moving between the United States and Korea, in particular, aligns with her growth as an entertainer who transcends cultural boundaries.

The notable point in their relationship is that they complemented the roles the other lacked, rather than just sharing fame or professional commonalities. By his explanation, Tiffany Young was not someone for Byun to protect, but a partner he could rely on, and that experience led to the choice of marriage.

Regarding life after marriage, Byun said, "I always try to maintain composure," and "It is so good. I want to love her for a long time." He added, "I am trying to manage my physical strength," which drew laughter.

For an actor, marriage is not just a change in private life but can also influence their attitude toward life and how they approach their work. In particular, the role reversal from the 'protector' to the 'protected' shows that mutual interdependence and trust are more important than one-sided protection in a relationship. His confession that overcoming a long-held fear of travel through his partner's trust became the decisive moment for marriage offers a glimpse into the deep bond the couple shares.