Won Bin resurfaces in ad campaign after 16-year acting hiatus

Actor Won Bin, 48, whose real name is Kim Do-jin, has appeared as a new advertising model after a 16-year absence from acting following his last film, "The Man from Nowhere" — known in Korean as "Ajeossi."

A health supplement brand announced Thursday through its official social media accounts that it had signed Won Bin as its first official spokesperson. "We expect Won Bin's trustworthy image to align with our brand identity and create synergy," the company said.

In photos released alongside the announcement, Won Bin wears a black turtleneck and holds a clipboard. His calm expression and long hair falling over his ears and the nape of his neck project his signature understated presence.

While Won Bin has made occasional appearances in advertisements, he has maintained a prolonged absence from acting. About 16 years and two months have passed since "The Man from Nowhere" opened in August 2010, and no news of a follow-up project has emerged.

His situation came up during a broadcast of MBN's "Kim Joo-ha's Day and Night" on June 27. Host Kim Joo-ha said she had asked Won Bin why he had not taken on any acting work since "The Man from Nowhere," and that he told her the film's image was so strong that no project offers had come in.

The reason behind his long hair also came up. Kim said Won Bin told her he was keeping his hair long in preparation for the possibility that a role requiring it might come along — "because you never know what kind of part will come."

Meanwhile, Won Bin married actor Lee Na-young in 2015, and the couple have one son.