"I Wanted to Leave a Name"... Actor Heo Nam-jun Confesses to 'Exercise Addiction' and Memories of Construction Sites

Actor Heo Nam-jun revealed his sincere past, which served as the background for his work in projects including the drama 'My Royal Nemesis', through the recent appearance on the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block'.

"I Wanted to Leave a Name"... The path to becoming an actor chosen after overcoming failure in music entrance exams

In the video, Heo Nam-jun recalled memories from his childhood regarding the motivation for becoming an actor. He stated that the turning point was encountering the phrase "Animals leave skins when they die, and humans leave names" during a dictation class in kindergarten. He explained that the thought of leaving a name like historical figures led to his dream of becoming an actor.

The process toward his dream was not entirely smooth. Heo Nam-jun confessed to the experience of being deeply shocked after hearing the words "It doesn't look like it will work" from a teacher during his high school years while preparing for practical music entrance exams for two years. At the time, the teacher conveyed the opinion that although he had prepared for two years, preparing for the entrance exam immediately might not yield results. Regarding his feelings at that time, he expressed the sense of loss he felt, saying, "I even cried while walking across the crosswalk."

College days of 'doing triceps exercises with a chair' and diligence at construction sites

What he chose to build competitiveness as an actor was 'exercise'. According to the testimony of a college colleague, Heo Nam-jun was known to be so immersed in exercise that he would hold onto a chair to do triceps exercises even during breaks between classes. He recalled that instead of drinking during his school days, he would go straight home to go to the gym. He also revealed his diligence in always carrying a lunch box for his diet. He added that exercising hard was a means of giving himself confidence.

He also shared in detail his experience working at construction sites to achieve economic independence while preparing for his acting career. He worked so diligently that he would wake up at 4 AM and continue site work all week long. Working at sites such as a building in Sindang-dong and an apartment reconstruction site in Gwacheon, he worked without rest for three months, including weekends. In particular, sharing an episode with a construction site manager, he introduced an anecdote where he was loved by the adults at the site for his honest attitude, even requesting help from the manager in scary situations. He recalled those days, saying he was close enough to hear the manager say it was the first time they had seen someone give orders to the manager.

"I am satisfied with my current life"... Sincerity toward his parents and new happiness

As he continues successful project activities, his relationship with his parents has also deepened. Heo Nam-jun conveyed the emotions he felt while treating his parents to steak. He said that when he served food to his parents, he felt a warm, fuzzy feeling thinking, "They lived without being able to try things like this." He cited the time spent eating with his parents as the happiest moment of his life.

Regarding his current life, Heo Nam-jun expressed high satisfaction. He said that he feels he has achieved almost everything he has wanted so far. Unlike the past when he wandered around drinking all night with friends, he stated that he feels great happiness in his peaceful daily life of eating at home and watching variety shows.