Shim Hyeong-rae’s Update on D-War 2: His Prime Era of Earning 100 Apgujeong Apartments and His Bid for a Comeback

Comedian and director Shim Hyeong-rae has sparked significant buzz by recently revealing on a broadcast that he was once able to buy multiple apartments in Apgujeong with his advertising income. Appearing on an MBN documentary variety show aired on September 24, 2026, he vividly shared behind-the-scenes stories from the era when his character Yeong-goo shook South Korea. He recalled that his fee per commercial was enormous, and the sheer volume of money coming in was actually a nuisance, leaving viewers astonished. Leaving his past glory behind, he is now dreaming of a new flight, preparing to produce D-War 2 alongside the Netflix resurgence of the original film. Various stories have been revealed, from him receiving enthusiastic cheers from citizens in the middle of a market to his human side as he shed tears while visiting his late mother’s grave. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the scale of Shim Hyeong-rae’s wealth during his astonishing prime, his hidden family history as a royal lineage, and all the news regarding his upcoming challenge.

=

Shim Hyeong-rae’s Update on D-War 2: His Prime Era of Earning 100 Apgujeong Apartments and His Bid for a Comeback

1. 80 Million Won per Commercial: The Prime Era of Raking in Cash

Shim Hyeong-rae was the top entertainer and a unique comedian who enjoyed the highest popularity in South Korea throughout the 1980s and 90s. He won the love of the entire nation through his character, the fool Yeong-goo, and set remarkable box office records for every program and film he appeared in. According to what he revealed on a recent broadcast, his fee per commercial reportedly reached a whopping 80 million won. Considering that apartment prices in Gangnam were around 70 million won at the time, the amount he earned was beyond imagination. Since he reportedly filmed over 100 commercials, it is difficult to even estimate the scale of the wealth he amassed during that period.

The person himself cheerfully recalled that he was so busy with his schedule due to his excessive popularity that he didn’t even have time to count his money properly. His remark that his pockets were so full of money that it sometimes felt like a nuisance was not a joke but a testament to his overwhelming status at the time. Many viewers who watched the broadcast agree that Shim Hyeong-rae’s popularity back then was on par with any current K-pop star. The catchphrase “Yeong-goo, let’s play” was on the lips of children nationwide, and related merchandise sold like hotcakes. This massive economic success also served as a solid foundation for him to later venture into film production himself.

2. The Hidden Identity of a Royal Lineage Dating Back to King Sukjong

This broadcast also drew attention by revealing, for the first time, a surprising family history about Shim Hyeong-rae’s background that had not been easily discussed elsewhere. Visiting his late mother’s grave ahead of the Chuseok holiday, he toured the ancestral land and shared stories about his roots. It was revealed that his family is a distinguished lineage related to the royal family that has been passed down for a long time since the era of King Sukjong in the Joseon Dynasty. Since the public had mainly been familiar with him as a comedian and film director, this family background came as a fresh shock to many people.

Shim Hyeong-rae, who visited his mother’s grave, calmly tidied up the area around the tomb, unable to hide his deep longing and affection. Behind his cheerful and playful demeanor usually seen on broadcast, there was a sincere and warm filial piety towards his family. As he calmly explained the origin of the ancestral land, his eyes reflected pride in his family as well as a strong longing for his late parents. Viewers praised him for showing a different kind of emotion by seeing the serious and deep inner side of a comedian who always provided laughter. His act of deeply remembering his family’s roots and diligently tending to the grave during the holiday reminded many people of the meaning of family.

3. The D-War Movie Frenzy Reignited by the Netflix Resurgence

The film D-War, which Shim Hyeong-rae directed himself with a massive production budget in the past, is once again receiving explosive attention through Netflix. This work, which stood at the center of controversy along with immense buzz at its release, recorded a resurgence miracle on the platform after a whopping 19 years. As it once again captures the attention of viewers worldwide, re-evaluations are following regarding the work’s unique worldview and its massive monster chase scenes. For Shim Hyeong-rae, who has suffered mental anguish for a long time, this resurgence frenzy is becoming a precious spark to rise again.

Thanks to the film’s success, relations with investors are also flowing in a positive direction, and the atmosphere is gradually turning around. Countless citizens who recognized him as he walked through the middle of the market sent warm applause of encouragement, sincerely cheering for his comeback. The tenacious spirit of challenge of a man who has experienced both past glory and failure was enough to tug at the heartstrings of the public. As the work meets a new generation through the global communication channel of Netflix, it is creating new value that goes beyond past evaluations. It is a moment when his past, where he played the role of a pioneer in the Korean film industry while receiving both criticism and praise, is being re-examined.

4. Unstoppable Challenge and Passion Toward Producing D-War 2

Shim Hyeong-rae is not resting on his past successes and failures; he is currently actively pushing forward with the production of D-War 2, embarking on another massive challenge. He is determined to go beyond simply making a sequel, aiming to completely wash away the regrets of the previous work and showcase more advanced technology and narrative. He proves that the stubbornness and passion of a film director who has relentlessly pioneered new paths from the distant past remain undimmed. Amidst the concerns and worried glances of those around him, he is silently refining the planning stage, thinking only of the quality of the work.

With the news of this sequel production, the attention of the film industry and the public is once again focused on him. Since he was the one who first introduced the possibility of Korean-style monster movies to the world, expectations for his next work naturally rise. He is worrying day and night to thoroughly supplement the lacking parts and introduce the latest production technologies to meet the standards of the audience. Although the journey will not be easy, his unique positive energy and tenacity are leaving a deep impression on many people. His appearance of running towards his dream without giving up, regardless of age, shows what a true challenger is. We hope that from his example of not fearing failure and rising again, we can all find strength in our own positions. We will conclude this story by sincerely cheering for the continued challenges of Director Shim Hyeong-rae.

5. Warm Communication with Citizens in the Middle of the Market

On the broadcast, Shim Hyeong-rae showed a side of himself communicating closely with ordinary citizens by visiting a lively traditional market, stepping away from the glamorous studio. Vendors and visitors who recognized him as he passed through the market alleys were quick to greet him with bright smiles and warm hellos. As a pop culture artist who has gifted laughter to the nation for many years, people of all ages approached him familiarly and struck up conversations. The enthusiastic congratulations and support from citizens he met in an unexpected place brought great comfort and courage to his tired heart.

He expressed sincere gratitude for the warm bowl of gukbap (soup stew) and words of encouragement from the vendors, turning the market into a sea of laughter with his unique witty talk. From the days of his glamorous prime to the present, as he experiences the ups and downs of life, the public has always been by his side, sharing his joys and sorrows. His humble appearance, naturally blending into the market scene, conveyed a friendliness like a neighbor rather than an authoritative director. It was a moment to reconfirm that the greatest driving force to endure difficult times is the public who do not forget him and continue to cheer for him. These vivid reactions from the field further heighten expectations for his new activities to come.

6. Rewriting the Comeback Drama Over Past Wounds

Shim Hyeong-rae’s turbulent life, having experienced both the peak and the bottom, shows a profound life drama that goes beyond simple entertainment gossip. There was the glamour of the era when he earned money to the point of being annoyed, and there were also times when he had to endure the weight of trials and criticism that were hard to bear. However, instead of sitting down and complaining, he is silently taking the next step, dreaming of another dream behind the camera. His sincere confessions and efforts revealed through this broadcast make many people reconsider what the attitude of overcoming life’s trials is.

It is worth watching how D-War 2, which he will present in the future, will be evaluated by the public and whether he will succeed in a glamorous comeback. Although the road ahead is rugged and blocked by numerous obstacles, expectations are high that he will overcome them with his unique tenacity. We hope that you, the readers, will watch his new challenge, having dominated an era of Korean comedy and the film industry in the past, with a warm gaze. We hope that from his appearance of not fearing failure and rising again, we can all find strength in our own positions. We will conclude this story by sincerely cheering for the continued challenges of Director Shim Hyeong-rae.

Frequently Asked Questions