Byun Yo-han
변요한- Korean Name:변요한
- Birthday:April 29, 1986
- Nationality:South Korea
- Height:176 cm (5'9")
- Occupation:Actress / Actor
- Years Active:2011–present
Biography
Byun Yo-han is a South Korean actor known for his steady rise from the independent film scene to mainstream success. With a strong foundation in acting and a reputation for versatility, he has built a career defined by depth, consistency, and carefully chosen roles. From his breakthrough in Misaeng to acclaimed performances in historical epics and award-winning films, Byun Yo-han stands out as one of the most reliable actors of his generation.
Career
Byun Yo-han began his acting journey in the early 2010s through Korea’s independent film scene. While still a student at the Korea National University of Arts, he appeared in more than 30 short and low-budget films, quietly building a reputation for his natural acting and emotional depth. This extensive indie experience set him apart from many of his peers and became the foundation of his craft.
His career took a major turn in 2014 with the tvN drama Misaeng: Incomplete Life. Portraying Han Seok-yool, a charismatic and idealistic office worker, Byun Yo-han won widespread public recognition. The drama’s massive success transformed him from an indie actor into a household name almost overnight.
In 2015, he solidified his rising star status through two contrasting projects. He impressed viewers as the passionate swordsman Bang Ji in the historical epic Six Flying Dragons, while also leading the romantic comedy Ex-Girlfriends’ Club. These roles showcased his ability to move seamlessly between intense historical characters and modern, lighthearted storytelling.
Byun Yo-han continued to expand his range with acclaimed supporting roles, most notably as the refined yet tragic Kim Hee-sung in Mr. Sunshine (2018). His performance added emotional weight to the series and further cemented his reputation as a dependable, scene-stealing actor.
In parallel with television work, he maintained a strong presence in cinema. Films such as Socialphobia, The Book of Fish (2021), and Hansan: Rising Dragon (2022) highlighted his depth and versatility. His powerful portrayal of Japanese commander Wakisaka Yasuharu in Hansan earned him major acting awards, including Best Supporting Actor honors, marking one of the peaks of his film career.
In 2024, Byun Yo-han returned to the small screen with the political drama Uncle Samsik, where he played Kim San, a principled elite soldier navigating power and ideology. The role reaffirmed his position as an actor capable of handling complex, mature narratives.
As of 2025, Byun Yo-han continues to balance television and film projects, remaining selective with his roles. Known for prioritizing character depth over fame, he is widely regarded as one of South Korea’s most reliable and versatile actors, with a career defined by steady growth rather than sudden hype.
Relationships
Actor Byun Yo-han is currently in a serious relationship with Girls’ Generation member Tiffany Young, and they are considering marriage. On December 13, Byun Yo-han’s agency Team Hope stated, “The two actors have been dating with the premise of marriage in mind.” While specifics about the wedding date remain undisclosed, the agency added, “The couple is determined to share the happy news with fans first once their plans solidify. We ask for your warm support and blessings for their future.”
Their romance reportedly began during filming for the Disney+ original series Uncle Samsik, where their mutual admiration deepened. On set, the two complemented each other, filling in one another’s gaps both professionally and personally.
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2011 | Dear Catastrophe | Byun Yo Han [Drummer] |
| 2012 | Crow Boy | Beom Joon |
| 2012 | Ritardando | Yoo Sung |
| 2012 | Seventeen in Summer | Tae Gu |
| 2012 | LIVE | Ki Tae |
| 2012 | Magic Hour | Sang Hoon |
| 2012 | Picnic Together | Tamiya Takuya |
| 2012 | The Night of the Witness | Yoo Ji Hoon |
| 2012 | Juvenile Offender | Man in Donut Shop |
| 2013 | Norigae | Park Ji Hoon |
| 2013 | Three Mirrors: Trap | Byun Yo Han |
| 2013 | Cold Eyes | M3 |
| 2013 | Hyun Soo Story | |
| 2014 | Tinker Ticker | Jeong Goo |
| 2014 | No Tears for the Dead | Song Joon Gi |
| 2015 | Tylenol | Jong Soo |
| 2015 | Socialphobia | Ji Wung |
| 2015 | Madonna | Hyeok Gyu |
| 2016 | Nowhere Boy | Beom Jun |
| 2016 | Phantom Detective | Kwang Eun Hoi [Shadow man] |
| 2016 | Will You Be There? | Han Su Hyeon [Past] |
| 2017 | A Day | Lee Min Chul |
| 2018 | My Dream Class | Han Gi Tak |
| 2021 | The Sun Does Not Move | David Kim |
| 2021 | The Book of Fish | Chang Dae |
| 2021 | On the Line | Seo Joon |
| 2022 | Hansan: Rising Dragon | Wakizaka Yasuharu |
| 2023 | Believer 2 | Jin Ha Rim |
| 2024 | Following | Koo Jeong Tae / “Ant Dad” |
| 2025 | Run to the West | Jang Won |
| 2026 | Tazza 4 | Jang Tae Yeong |
| 2026 | Pavane: For a Dead Princess | Yo Han |
Television Series
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2012 | Vampire Prosecutor Season 2 | (Ep. 1) Guest Role |
| 2014 | God’s Quiz Season 4 | [Art student] (Ep. 9) |
| 2014 | Misaeng: Incomplete Life | Han Suk Yool |
| 2015 | Ex-Girlfriend Club | Bang Myeong Su |
| 2015 | Six Flying Dragons | Ddang Sae/ Lee Bang Ji |
| 2018 | Mr. Sunshine | Kim Hui Seong |
| 2024 | Uncle Samsik | Kim San |
| 2024 | Black Out | Ko Jeong U |
| 2025 | Queen Mantis | [Himself] (Ep. 1) |
Fun Facts
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Before becoming a mainstream star, Byun Yo-han appeared in over 30 independent short films, earning him the nickname “the indie film veteran” among Korean cinephiles.
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He is a graduate of the Korea National University of Arts, one of Korea’s most prestigious arts schools often called the birthplace of many top-tier actors and directors.
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He famously went from playing an ordinary salaryman in Misaeng to a deadly swordsman in Six Flying Dragons, proving his extreme range in just one year.
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For his villainous role as a Japanese commander in the hit film Hansan: Rising Dragon, he gained approximately 11 kg (about 24 pounds) to properly fill out the armor and embody the character's physique.
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He performed most of his own stunts in the crime film On the Line, revealing a hidden action side.
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He debuted on stage in the musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2016).
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Fans created a group called "BYH48" (named after AKB48) for his close friends including Byun Yo Han, Ryu Jun Yeol, Ji Soo, Lee Dong Hwi, and EXO's Suho
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He loves simple activities like fishing and barbecuing with his actor friends, who act as his biggest supporters and critics.
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In a 2015 interview, he stated that he believes "humanism and a sense of humor are the most important things for an actor".
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He took a two-year hiatus from acting after collapsing due to undisclosed health issues.
