Ahn Jae-hyun

1. Overview

Ahn Jae-hyun (안재현_{Ahn Jae-hyeon}^Korean) is a prominent South Korean model, actor, and jewelry designer. Born on July 1, 1987, he initially gained recognition in the fashion industry before transitioning to acting. He is widely known for his roles in popular television dramas such as My Love from the Star (2013-2014), Blood (2015), Cinderella with Four Knights (2016), The Beauty Inside (2018), and The Real Has Come! (2023). Beyond acting, Ahn has also served as a television host and appeared in numerous variety shows, showcasing his versatile presence in the entertainment industry. He has also ventured into jewelry design and authored a photo essay.

2. Early Life and Education

Ahn Jae-hyun was born on July 1, 1987, in Seoul, South Korea. He attended Seoul Yeonshin Elementary School, Yeoncheon Middle School, and Seonjeong High School. During his high school years, Ahn underwent surgery for retinal detachment. Despite this condition, which made him eligible for military exemption, he chose to fulfill his military service through a public service assignment.

3. Modeling Career

Ahn Jae-hyun began his career in the entertainment industry as a fashion model in 2009. He quickly gained recognition for his talent and charm through appearances in numerous runway shows, magazine editorials, and commercials. His early fashion show engagements included the 2009 F/W Seoul Fashion Week, the Korea Textile and Fashion Grand Festival Preview in Shanghai, and the Pret-a-porter Busan 2009/10 F/W Collection. He continued to participate in major events such as the 2011 S/S and F/W Seoul Fashion Week, the Korea Heritage Fashion Show, and the 2012 S/S SFAA.

His modeling portfolio expanded to include a wide range of fashion shows, working with notable designers like Park Sung-chul, Choi Bum-suk, Jung Du-young, Kim Jae-hyun, Kim Sun-ho, Jang Kwang-hyo, Song Hye-myung, Park Seung-gun, Kim Seo-ryong, Koh Tae-yong, Kwon Moon-soo, Jung Hyuk-seo & Bae Seung-yeon, Kang Dong-jun, Hong Hye-jin, Jang Hyung-chul, and Woo Young-mi (for SOLID HOMME's 25th Anniversary Collection). He also appeared in the 2013 F/W PLAC Jeans Fashion Show and the 2014 S/S MCM Collection.

Ahn's presence extended to magazine editorials for publications such as Arena Korea, Esquire Korea, Men's Health Korea, Vogue Korea, Elle Girl Korea, Vogue Girl Korea, CeCi, Style H, Cracker, Bling, MAPS, Ceci Campus, and W Korea.

He also became a sought-after endorser for various brands, including:

• 2011:** Pantech (SKY VEGA LTE, SKY VEGA LTE M)
• 2012:** TBJ (S/S), Smart Uniform, Pantech (SKY VEGA Racer 2), EZIO (F/W), Canon Korea (Canon EOS M), Hyundai Card
• 2013-2016:** Sejung Global (CHRIS CHRISTY)
• 2014:** J&E Commerce (Jambangee), Puma Korea, Wemade (Everytown for Kakao), Maeil Dairies (Milk in Milk), Crown Confectionery (Chocohiem), Handuyi (AMH), BEDOOK
• 2015:** Borba Korea, L'Oréal Group (Clarisonic), Ju Holdings Group (Monkey's Kitchen), Schneider, Ettang (Oven-baked Chicken), Sejong & Future (C'REAL by CHRIS)
• 2017:** Lotte Confectionery (Dream Cacao Nibs)
• 2017-2019:** VM Cos (Merbliss)
• 2018:** Diageo Korea (Guinness), Najain (Mandarina Duck)
• 2019:** Giordano
• 2024:** LF (TNGT)

His early recognition in television came in 2011 when he played a "handsome delivery man" in the cable variety show Lee Soo-geun and Kim Byung-man's High Society.

4. Acting Career

Ahn Jae-hyun's acting career began to flourish after his successful modeling endeavors, leading to significant roles in both television and film.

5. Television and Variety Appearances

Beyond his scripted acting roles, Ahn Jae-hyun has maintained a strong presence in television as an MC and a cast member in various popular variety and reality shows, showcasing his diverse talents and personality.

• 2011-2012:** Lee Soo-geun and Kim Byung-man's High Society (JTBC) as a cast member, appearing in episodes 1-53.
• 2012:** Roller Coaster 2 - Shut Up! Flower Boy (tvN), Korea's Next Top Model Cycle 3 (On Style) as a guest in episode 6, Singles' Trend Maker (MBC every1) as a guest in episode 3, and he was a presenter at the MelOn Music Awards.
• 2013:** Music Talk Talk Ma bling (MBC Music) as an MC for 117 episodes, Style Log NOW (On Style), and Korea's Next Top Model Cycle 4 (On Style). He also appeared as a special DJ for Super Junior's Shindong's Boredom Break on MBC Standard FM.
• 2014:** He was appointed as an MC for Mnet's weekly music program M Countdown from February 27 to November 20. He also appeared as a guest on Happy Together 3 (KBS2) in episode 370, Witch Hunt (JTBC), and the Chinese version of 2 Days & 1 Night, titled Mingxing Jiazu De 2 Qian 1 Ye (Chinese Sichuan Satellite TV).
• 2015:** He was a guest again on Happy Together 3 (KBS2) in episode 386 and appeared on Entertainment Weekly (KBS2).
• 2016-2018:** Ahn joined the cast of the popular travel reality show New Journey to the West (tvN) from Season 2 to 6, replacing Lee Seung-gi who enlisted in the military. He garnered significant love for his chemistry with existing cast members Kang Ho-dong, Lee Soo-geun, and Eun Ji-won.
• 2017:** He starred with his then-wife Koo Hye-sun in the reality show Newlywed Diary (tvN), which showcased their married life over 6 episodes. He also became a fixed cast member for Kang's Kitchen (tvN).
• 2019:** He continued as a fixed cast member for Kang's Kitchen Seasons 2 and 3. He also made a special MC appearance on M Countdown for its 600th episode special.
• 2021:** He participated as a fixed cast member in New Journey to the West Special Spring Camp (TVING) and was the main cast for Athletic Genius Ahn Jae-hyun (tvN).
• 2022:** He appeared as a guest on Look at My Shoulder, I've Dislocated (tvN) in episode 7.
• 2023:** He was a guest on 2 Days & 1 Night Season 4 (KBS2).
• 2024:** He made guest appearances on I Live Alone (MBC) and Handsome Guys (tvN). He also served as a special MC for the 20th-anniversary special of M Countdown and was the host for End Love (JTBC).
• 2025:** Scheduled for another guest appearance on I Live Alone (MBC).

6. Music Video and Discography

Ahn Jae-hyun has also extended his presence into the music industry through various music video appearances and contributions to soundtracks.

7. Other Ventures

Beyond his primary careers in modeling and acting, Ahn Jae-hyun has explored other creative and philanthropic avenues, including jewelry design and authorial work.

8. Personal Life

Ahn Jae-hyun's personal life has been a subject of public interest, particularly his marriage and subsequent divorce.

8.1. Marriage and Divorce

On March 11, 2016, it was confirmed that Ahn Jae-hyun was dating his Blood co-star Koo Hye-sun, with their relationship having begun in April 2015, shortly after the drama concluded. The couple officially registered their marriage at the Gangnam district office on May 20, 2016, and held their wedding on May 21, 2016. Instead of a traditional wedding party, they opted to donate the money they would have spent to the pediatric ward of Severance Hospital, one of the oldest and largest hospitals in Korea. Their married life was later featured in the reality show Newlywed Diary, produced by Na Young-seok, which offered a glimpse into their relationship.

In August 2019, reports emerged that Ahn Jae-hyun had requested a divorce from Koo Hye-sun. He submitted an application for divorce to the Seoul Family Court on September 9, 2019, which was delivered to Koo Hye-sun on September 18, 2019. Koo Hye-sun subsequently filed a counter-suit, presenting evidence related to the breakdown of their marriage. On October 21, 2019, Ahn Jae-hyun deleted all photos from his Instagram account, a move speculated by the media as an effort to prevent further unnecessary issues and controversy regarding their divorce, especially ahead of his upcoming television series Love with Flaws. The divorce was finalized in 2019.

9. Awards and Nominations

Ahn Jae-hyun has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career for his contributions to modeling, acting, and television.