Actor Kim Woo-bin is making waves after popping up as the first guest on “Guerrilla Interview,” newly rebooted on TV personality Ha Ji-young’s YouTube channel. The appearance doubles as a sweet nod to his 12-year bond with Ha, a former reporter for SBS’ 'Hanbam' who first met Kim early in his rise.
Dropped on Oct. 8 via Ha’s channel, the “Guerrilla Interview” revival resurrects the beloved broadcast segment that once sent top stars into the streets to chat freely with passersby. Kim joined Ha at a hotspot in Seongsu, Seoul, where the duo drew a frenzy of onlookers.
Insiders say Ha initiated the invite, but the freewheeling street format was Kim’s idea. He even pitched going where the crowds are and wearing a tee with “Ha Ji-young YouTube” splashed across the front―“That’s how you get the word out,” he joked, leaning all the way in on promo duty.
The scene quickly turned electric. Ha recalls that Seongsu practically ground to a halt, and they wrapped once safety officials reached out―but Kim’s trademark warmth kept the mood light and fans grinning from ear to ear.
Kim went full “genie-for-a-day” with fan-service moments, from 10 seconds of eye contact to sticker-booth selfies and recording personalized wake-up call messages.
Asked why he said yes, Kim was candid: he wanted to see Ha win.
Their history goes back to 2013, when Kim was starring in SBS drama "The Heirs" and sat for a 'Hanbam' interview with Ha. She checked in on him during his 2017 battle with nasopharyngeal cancer and kept reaching out for life’s milestones. Kim calls her “just a really good person―someone who lifts your mood” and “a comforting presence any time we meet,” underscoring the trust between them.
Keeping the kindness going, Kim recommended indoor cycling to help with de-puffing and promised to send Ha an at-home bike.
Meanwhile, Kim is currently headlining "Genie, Make a Wish" the fantasy romantic comedy on Netflix, playing a genie who awakens after a thousand years. The series has already climbed to No. 1 in Korea and No. 5 globally.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)