In the drama 'Detectives: The Trade Secret', Actor Shin Hyun-jun reunites with high school teacher Kim Eok-kwan after 40 years

Actor Shin Hyun-jun has reunited with the mentor who shaped his life, 40 years later. In the episode of Channel A's 'Detectives: The Trade Secret' aired on the 27th, the story was revealed of how Shin Hyun-jun commissioned the detective team to find Kim Eok-kwan, his high school homeroom teacher.

Following his father's wishes at the time, Shin entered the Department of Physical Education at Yonsei University, but a dream of becoming an actor always lingered in his heart. When he faced a dilemma between his studies and the news of auditions for the film 'General's Son,' it was the advice from Mr. Kim Eok-kwan that set him on the right path. He went to the audition with his teacher's words deeply etched in his heart: "If your thoughts change after entering university, do not give up on your dream." The result was being cast as Hayashi in the film, a choice that served as the starting point for the actor Shin Hyun-jun we know today.

A Teacher's Words: "Never Give Up on Your Dream"

Shin Hyun-jun requested the detective team's help to find the mentor who made his current self possible. Based on his current daily life and past memories, the production team prepared for the reunion. As his passion for acting grew, Shin recalled Mr. Kim Eok-kwan at the crossroads of the 'General's Son' audition. The encouragement from his teacher had been the driving force that allowed him to overcome fierce competition and secure the role of Hayashi.

The Search Through Alumni Associations and Music Studios

To track down Mr. Kim Eok-kwan, the detective team reached out to organizations such as the National Physical Education Teachers Association and the Secondary School Principals Association. Alumni contacted through the high school alumni association remembered Shin's past. A former classmate, who was the alumni president at the time and Shin's desk mate in high school, recalled, "Shin Hyun-jun was humorous and was really good at imitating others. He even used to call me 'Minky's Dad'."

New clues were captured during the investigation. After confirming through alumni that the teacher had been learning the drums until four years ago, the detective team searched for music studios in the area. A staff member at a studio reported that Mr. Kim Eok-kwan had ceased all activities about three years ago due to health reasons. With the cooperation of an alumnus, the detective team located the teacher's residence and met his wife. The wife remarked, "If only he had come a little earlier..."

A Voice from the Back of the Classroom: Tears After 40 Years

The detective team headed to a university classroom where Shin Hyun-jun currently serves as a professor with 16 years of experience. Shin's expression hardened upon hearing news that the teacher's health was not good. As the studio guests fell into silence, a voice called out from the back of the classroom, "Hey, Professor Shin!" It was Mr. Kim Eok-kwan himself appearing before them.

Facing his mentor for the first time in 40 years, Shin Hyun-jun was speechless and burst into tears. Bowing his head, he said, "Teacher, thank you so much," before sobbing, "I'm sorry it took me so long to find you." Mr. Kim Eok-kwan comforted his former student, replying, "Thank you for not forgetting me and finding me, and thank you for growing up to be such a remarkable person."

The scene brought together Mr. Kim Eok-kwan, Shin Hyun-jun, and even his current students. It was a rare moment where three generations of teacher and students—past and present—stood together in one space. The two sat side by side, holding hands tightly as they shared memories from 40 years ago. Mr. Kim Eok-kwan joked, "It's fine, I've seen you plenty on TV. I've aged a lot, haven't I?" to which Shin responded, "You haven't changed at all, Teacher." Watching from the studio, Yoo In-na remarked, "The way the teacher looks at Shin Hyun-jun is absolutely full of affection."