Shim Hyung-rae, having filmed over 100 CFs, says "Popularity back then was at the level of BTS"

Comedian Shim Hyung-rae reminisced about the overwhelming popularity of his past heyday and the career path in which he dreamed of being a musician. Through Shim Hyung-rae's remarks contained in the 'Star Documentary My Way' video of TV CHOSUN LIFE, his scale of activity and acting philosophy at the time were revealed.

"Popularity back then was like current BTS"... Record of over 100 CFs and economic value

Shim Hyung-rae mentioned his past popularity and explained his social influence at the time. In the video, Shim Hyung-rae mentioned that his popularity back then was comparable to the current BTS, recalling that traffic would be paralyzed whenever he held an event or a fan signing session. He emphasized that his scope of activity was so wide that he handled 10 events a day while simultaneously filming new TV programs and movies.

In particular, commercial (CF) activities appeared as an indicator symbolizing his heyday. Shim Hyung-rae revealed that he filmed more than 100 CFs. He explained that the income per CF at the time was around 80 million won, and if converted to current value, it would reach a scale of about 3 billion won. He cited an instance of purchasing an apartment for 78 million won at the time, mentioning with specific figures how the income of that time connects to current asset values.

"Originally dreamed of being a musician"... Musical aspirations hidden behind fool acting

Shim Hyung-rae, who has been imprinted on the public as the synonym for 'fool acting,' confessed his past of dreaming to be a musician. He said he originally liked playing the guitar and wanted to do music, but as he performed the role of a 'fool' as a comedian, there were situations where even if he wanted to do music, the public would not believe him. He mentioned the discrepancy of the time when people did not easily believe him if he said he played the electric guitar, revealing the gap between his role and his original hope.

He also stated firm standards regarding his acting method. Shim Hyung-rae emphasized his execution power, saying, "Once you start, you must see it through to the end," and said that when people misunderstand him as a real fool, he actually feels, "My acting was truly real." He added that he prefers a method of being completely immersed in the role rather than artificial acting that makes the public recognize it as acting.

Overcoming adversity to reach number one again... Combination of content and character

The video also included mentions of the background of producing advertisements using Shim Hyung-rae's character. It was conveyed in the context that Shim Hyung-rae's character and content had high value as an advertising model because they aligned with the will to overcome adversity and rise to the top again. This suggests that the narrative held by the individual Shim Hyung-rae acted as attractive content for advertisers.