From Red Velvet Irene’s Bodyguard to K-Drama Star

What would it feel like to guard a K-pop idol—only to star alongside them in a movie years later?

It may sound like the plot of a K-drama, but for Shin Seung-ho, it’s real life.

Now a celebrated actor, Shin recently addressed this viral moment for the first time. On a resurfaced episode of MMTG Civilization Express titled “Jo Jung-suk, Lee Joo-myung, Han Sun-hwa, and Shin Seung-ho Try ASMR”, host Jaejae brought up the surprising backstory during a segment featuring the cast of the 2023 film Pilot. The video, first released ahead of the movie’s premiere, has since garnered nearly 400,000 views.

“Shin Seung-ho once worked part-time as a bodyguard at a Red Velvet fan signing event,” Jaejae explained. “And what’s wild is—he later starred opposite Irene in his debut film Double Patty.”

The coincidence left the cast stunned. Shin then shared the full story:

“After quitting soccer, I really wanted to try a part-time job. A friend was working in security at a department store nearby and helped me get an interview,” he recalled. “One day, I was told Red Velvet would be on-site and was assigned to close-protection duty. I had no idea photos of me had been taken.”

When asked about Irene’s reaction, Shin revealed that neither of them recognized each other on set at first.

“During filming, the director asked if we’d ever met before, and we both said no. But by around the 10th day of shooting, I suddenly remembered. It hit me like a lightning bolt.”

He added that even Irene’s former manager—who had also been present at the fan event—was there during filming. “Looking back, it felt surreal,” he said.

From Soccer Field to Screen: Shin Seung-ho’s Path to Stardom

Before entering the entertainment industry, Shin Seung-ho was a professional soccer player for 11 years. Standing at 187 cm, he transitioned into modeling after retiring from sports. In a 2021 interview ahead of the release of Double Patty, Shin opened up about his decision to leave the game behind:

“Toward the end of my soccer career, I realized I wasn’t happy anymore. I didn’t have a clear plan, but I knew I had to walk away.”

His modeling career quickly took off, and soon after, acting followed—something he’s never looked back on.

“Quitting soccer wasn’t meaningless. Everything I experienced back then shaped who I am today.”

Now fully immersed in acting, Shin reflects on his new path with confidence:

“I’m more passionate and happier than I ever was as a soccer player. Acting brings me joy I didn’t know I needed. I want to give it everything.”

Shin Seung-ho: The Actor to Watch

Shin made his acting debut in 2018 with the hit web drama A-Teen and quickly gained recognition for standout roles in major projects like Netflix’s D.P. and tvN’s Alchemy of Souls. His performance in the film Pilot showcased his ability to handle comedy, while his ongoing role in tvN’s variety show Handsome Guys marks his first fixed variety appearance—where he's charmed viewers with his humor and relaxed energy.

Now, Shin is gearing up for what may be his biggest project yet: the highly anticipated movie The Prophet: Omniscient Reader. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Min-ho, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, Chae Soo-bin, and Nana. With a lineup like that and Shin’s growing presence in both drama and film, he’s cementing his position as one of Korea’s hottest rising stars.

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