Actor Uhm Tae-goo graced the cover of Big Issue magazine.

Uhm Tae-goo showed off his shy charm that he had been hiding behind his strong image in the 331st issue of Big Issue. When asked about his feelings about receiving much love for his variety show appearance, which is the opposite of his acting, Uhm Tae-goo replied, “Actually, I’m not that shy,” and showed off his professional side by wiping away tears with his tie and striking a flower pose.

Last year, he took on his first romantic comedy role as Seo Ji-hwan in the drama “Woman Who Plays With Us,” and captured the public’s attention by shedding the rough image he had shown in his previous work and perfecting “Uhm Tae-goo-style romantic comedy.”

“I didn’t know I would receive this much love, so I am very grateful as much as I had a hard time,” said Um Tae-goo, expressing his feelings. “Starting with ‘Playful Woman,’ I created an Instagram account, had my first fan meeting, and I think I was able to put into practice things I had only thought about one by one. The love of my fans is the starting point of that change,” he said, looking back on 2024, the year he first filled his life.

Um Tae-goo, who is entering his 18th year since his debut in 2025, shared his thoughts on challenging the thriller genre once again with Disney Plus’s ‘The Lighting Store.’ He also shared small stories from his daily life, such as his phone gallery and the food he’s into these days. It is said that he opened an Instagram account 17 years after his debut to repay the love of his fans, but he smiled and said that selfies are still difficult for him.

Big Issue Korea is a social enterprise that helps the underprivileged become self-reliant and provides jobs through magazine sales. Many celebrities have participated as cover models and have spread positive influence. Big Issue No. 331, which includes pictorials and interviews with Tae-goo Eom, will be available for purchase at street vendors in subway stations in Seoul and Busan as well as online bookstores starting January 2, 2025. Online purchases are available at the Big Issue Korea online shop, Kyobo Bookstore, Aladdin, Yes24, etc.

Jeon Hyo-jin, Donga.com reporter jhj@donga.com