Yoon Sang-hyun discusses his sudden popularity in Marie Claire
by javabeans
I’ve always thought Yoon Sang-hyun was a pretty charismatic guy — he was pretty decent back in Fireworks (his character was an ass and the drama sucked, but he and Kang Ji-hwan were enjoyable) and he was cute in Three Dads, One Mom — so it’s nice to see him enjoying his sharp rise in popularity with his latest role in Queen of Housewives.
A photo spread of Yoon is featured in the June issue of Marie Claire magazine, which also contains an interview wherein the actor talks about his sudden fame and his latest role.
Of his current status as the endearing Tae-bong character Yoon says, “Popularity? I’d like to be an actor with a long career, but this popularity came so suddenly… Phew.”
Of acting: “It wasn’t that I wanted to act from the very start, and I’ve never really learned. I just fell into it at the beginning, and did as the director told me.”
Of his earlier career: “At first I was just imitating acting, so how could I be any good? When doing Winter Bird, I learned a lot from Park Won-sook. It was from doing Winter Bird and Secret of Keke Island that I came to enjoy playing in front of the camera. I understood that in order for the viewers to feel, I had to feel.”
He expounds on that in another interview with Segye Sports World: “In my debut project, To Marry a Millionaire, I was just imitating acting. I realized at the time of Winter Bird that an actor has to prepare many other things outside of the script, and that even if the character is appealing, if the acting is bad, you can fall to the very bottom. That’s when I learned how to create a character, and that’s how I created Tae-bong as well.”
He had quite the rough time filming To Marry a Millionaire, as he describes crying in the bathroom one day: “I felt a heavy mental burden, and memorized the script, but when I went on set, my head would darken… Something that should take 20 to 30 minutes took 2 to 3 hours because of me. After doing that for three episodes, I thought that there was no way I could be an actor. I even talked to my agency, and thought to myself that I would just hang in there until my contract was up, and then leave. I changed my mind while doing Winter Bird.”
With his current fame in Queen of Housewives: “This is the first time in my life I’ve received such an outpouring of love, and it’s a really remarkable feeling. I’m most happy as an actor. This is the first time I’ve had ratings go past 20%, the first time I’ve received comments of praise in 37 years. Before Winter Bird, that was because of my acting, and afterward, even though I heard I was acting well, because my character was unlikable, I didn’t hear many positive things. It feels like a dream that I could come into such popularity now.”
Future plans? “I’d like to work more, so I want to marry later. I want to be an actor who acts well rather than being good-looking, someone who considers the inside more important than the exterior. I’d like to become an actor like Song Kang-ho sunbae in the future, and I really want to take on the challenge of acting as a coold-blooded character, too.”
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1 Tippy
May 18, 2009 at 10:25 AM
Ooooooh, yes...I loves him (the jury is still out on the little moustache for me though)!
Even when he plays the 'bad dude' character, he's just so darned likeable!! I hope we see lots more of him in the future! YAY!
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2 annie
May 18, 2009 at 11:02 AM
I like this dude too, He never played as a real bad guy, even in Fireworks. and Yes I him evenmore because of his Tummy. Good picture doesn't mean need to flaunt all those skinny marinkiy dinky dink washboard. who need wash board abs? I use washing machine.
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3 Annie
May 18, 2009 at 11:12 AM
I use to hate him in Fireworks but after watching Secret of Keu Keu island, I started to see how cute and charismatic he is. He's also really funny. I'm glad people are starting to see this as well. Good for him! Hopefully he'll start to land lead roles soon.
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4 Sere
May 18, 2009 at 11:42 AM
I read the article, nodding often cos clearly this guy is sensitive and seems to have thought a lot about his career in terms of, can I or can't I act? Which I appreciate.
Then I read this line "I’d like to work more, so I want to marry later" and frowned. I can't see how the two things relate? I mean, sure, I udnerstand how marrying could chip away his time (there's to plan the wedding, plan how to break the news to the fans, the honeymoon etc), but that doesn't mean that once he's married he can't work? I think I missed something here.
Anywya, kudos to him for wanting to improve his acting!
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5 loveydovey
May 18, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Omg omg! Ilove him! I really, really hope ji ae ends up with him on Queen of Housewives even though that's hoping against the odds. It's another case of the third party having more chemistry with the lead than the main romantic lead. Also i hope he goes into the music industry in the future, he has an AMAZING voice. =] Anybody else a tea-bong/ji ae fan?
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6 le
May 18, 2009 at 12:14 PM
just started watching Queen of Wives on MBC D, i'm surprised this drama is quite good, all the soon to be love triangles are getting me mad. his character isn't that likable but he seems to change/care for the lead lady. his character in fireworks was a real jerk so this one ain't as bad except for how he treats his wife. i really like Oh Ji Oh's character a lot more, cause he is innocent a little lacking & really funny, also most of the dramas OJO has been in he plays a jerk or a guy out for revenge, so this is a good change, but the TaeBong guy is slowly becoming good i guess. it really does seem like what you said, if in BOF had JP married JK, he would be him.
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7 Biscuit
May 18, 2009 at 12:45 PM
I hope he continues to get more projects and become a better actor ^^
In Queen of Housewives, really really really dislike Oh Ji Ho's character. it drives me nuts sometimes @______@ Or maybe I'm just not that fond of Oh Ji Ho *runs away from flying bricks*
So I wanted the lead to end up with Taebong >.< Of-course, divorces won't be happening in such a light drama. Sigh. *But their moments are so cute TT_____TT *
At least he's not having the King Junpyo Pama in the photoshoots XD
@Sere: "“I’d like to work more, so I want to marry later” and frowned. I can’t see how the two things relate?"
I think he meant that he wants to have a stable job as an actor, that way if he works more, he'll be able to earn more to support a family. Maybe he's not getting paid that much, as he's only getting much popularity now?
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8 cheerio
May 18, 2009 at 1:17 PM
@annie
lolll! "i use washing machine"
but yeap, i think his photos are good too ^^
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9 mie
May 18, 2009 at 1:27 PM
at first it was his likeness to Kimutaku that drew me in, but tae-bong really is my fave character in "queen of housewives." he conveys a certain innocence that none of the other characters really have. it's not about having ji-ae for himself, but about seeing her be happy, and i think he pulls that off so well.
would totally love to see him be cold-hearted because i think he could do great things with his eyes.
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10 B.B.
May 18, 2009 at 2:43 PM
Wonder if the stylists drew lots for the dampening down prior to the last pic.
'Queen of Housewives' Mr Imp, with the mischievous smile - got to ep. 11 and got seriously sidetracked,
City Hall, Family's Honour & Romance Zero.
Still need to catch the rest of Secret of Keu Keu Island, anyone know who's now the E. Sub Group?
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11 lenrasoon
May 18, 2009 at 3:18 PM
omg Taebong!!! i love him, i like his character more than Oh ji ho's, he's doing a wonderful job, i'm glad to see that he's a down to earth kind of actor^^
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12 epyc
May 18, 2009 at 3:45 PM
It's good to see him come all this way from "To Marry a Millionaire". I share JB's view about him having this certain charm which is not glaring but still eye-catching. Not sure if any of you have watched "Single Life" which is like the melodramatic version of Soulmate. I really like his pairing with Kim Yoo Mi (and the love triangle with Moon Jung Hee) but the drama was apparently cut short due to low rating or something. It has thus the most abrupt and unsatisfying ending.
Wish him luck in his future projects.
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13 madgy888
May 18, 2009 at 4:34 PM
Love how his character in Queen of Housewives evolves and how his love for Ji Ae develops as shown when he sang to her in one of the episodes. His good looks and charm are a bonus!
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14 hjkomo
May 18, 2009 at 6:09 PM
First, let me say, "Nice pictures!" :D Two Thumbs Up!
I actually liked Yoon Sang Hyun in To Marry A Millionaire, and he was a hoot in Keu Keu Island. Glad to see he's getting more recognition. :)
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15 hmmm...
May 18, 2009 at 6:10 PM
i don't remember seeing him on 'Three dads and one mom'...he must've been the husband that died? He looks much better with the mustache...very different image from that drama. I wouldn't have recognized him if you didn't mention his previous works.
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16 omo
May 18, 2009 at 7:06 PM
How I wished they didn't extend QoH to 20 epis. Since they dragged this out, Jiae is acting weird with all that ridiculous ranting in epi 18. But come to think of it, they have given Taebong more air time. So, I suppose that is a good thing. I haven't seen his other works, but yes, he is not too bad an actor. I like the fact that he is not the "perfect" eye candy type of actor. And yes, would really like to see his future projects.
@1 Tippy : Like you, I am not too crazy about that moustache too. And if he could crop that mop of hair out a little, maybe I could enjoy more of his face too! lol
@10 BB : sidetracked by City Hall? Tell me about it....these days, it's too difficult to wait for wednesdays and thursdays to come round.
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17 omo_omo
May 18, 2009 at 10:31 PM
two words: yow. wee.
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18 lala
May 18, 2009 at 10:42 PM
He's HOT!!!!!
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19 geekinthepink
May 19, 2009 at 7:07 AM
he is FREAKING GORGEOUS! i cant believe he has gone unnoticed. haha i never watched fireworks or three dads and a mom but they dont appeal to me so here's hopping he gets another great role in another great drama after QOH! taebong love! :D
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20 dee
May 19, 2009 at 7:54 AM
I hate him in firework and never get over. I don't like his act either. But I think he should try thriller movies.
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21 koalabear
May 19, 2009 at 8:01 AM
Winter Bird was my first Yoon Sang-hyun drama and I hated his mama's boy character there but after watching Queen of Housewives he caught my attention this time as he is an all around actor, he can sing pretty well too. I'm glad that his was given a big break via QOH...I hope to see more of him
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22 May
May 19, 2009 at 10:34 PM
I LOVE his voice!!! Not sure if his songs are on the OST or not.. but he's GOOD. (or so I think)
I really loved his TaeBong character, and wanted him to end up with JiAe~~ *___*
good luck to him with his future acting!
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23 May
May 19, 2009 at 10:45 PM
:O I just found out that he's actually in a KPOP group called 5WHO.
i tried looking for some vids... but i'm unsuccessful so far DX
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24 madgy888
May 20, 2009 at 2:36 AM
QoH drama just ended and I had much fun. Loved Yoon Sang-hyun's Tae Bong/Joon character which evolved from ZERO to HERO (at least to me...). Watched Three Dads last year but he didn't make an impact there. I wish him all the best and look forward to more meaty roles for him and, soon.
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25 PugLover
July 8, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Oh my God...I loved Queen of Housewives. Every show had me on the edge of my seat. Yoon Sang-hyun is gorgeous!!!! i usually don't have crushes on asian men (i say that not to offend anyone) But he is beyond finee!! and a talented actor! *yes i've seen his other work, and yes he has gotten better*
I wish there were more than 20 episodes. I was really getting into the show. :(
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26 peaches
July 18, 2009 at 10:21 PM
i first saw him in 3 Dads but didn't really pay much attention to Yoon sang ssi until i saw him again in Marrying a Millionaire & now Queen of Housewives where i cannot describe my feeling for this cute/gorgeous/charismatic actor! oh need i say more? he's just too cute esp with a bit of that moustache that maybe some may not agree with me but it does suit yoon sang ssi! i can't wait to see his upcoming drama series Lady Castle -- more power to you! sarang hae!
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27 chinjoo
July 25, 2009 at 12:24 PM
i came to this page looking for some more of Yoon sang & voila glad to find this & can express what i'm feeling since i've seen his latest Queen of Housewives where I just fell for him! he looks a lot younger & his acting in this drama is just amazing! i'm now on epis 18 & lagging on watching cause I just don't want it to finish! mitzchu, i'm probably pabo but i don't care -- this guy is so gorgeous & his charisma is next to none compared to other K actors which i liked & still do but seeing him in Queen makes me love him more! I've seen his other projects of course except Winter Bird & Secret of Keu Keu but I'm desperately trying to find how I can get hold of these dvds for sure, but I'm so so happy for Yoon & this is a nice interview! wow he's now planning to marry until later? wait for me pls. (just kidding). I noticed some K actors don't marry until later...look at some of them like Jang dong gun, Kim Joong of Empress Chun chun, then Ahn Jae wook & others their age. Once again, am so happy for Yoon sang that he's become popular after Queen. Good Luck in your future projects and I'm sure going to support Lady Castle or MFL.
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28 chinjoo
July 25, 2009 at 12:30 PM
@loveydovey --- count me in plz....i'm a taebong fan after seeing his extraordinary acting in Queen of H. i can't saying things about him, he's such a gorgeous actor, very charming, handsome & i'm afraid to run out of adjectives to describe him! I also hope he gets to record some more of his other talent in singing....he did a good job in singing in Queen. luvya yoon sang!
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29 tuswit
July 25, 2009 at 12:41 PM
i'm glad i'm not the only who noticed how charming & gorgeous Yoon sang is! He had shown his potential in Queen of H. & like most of you here, I'm so happy for him for being recognized in his latest drama series! His role as Taebong was just so cute & funny, but he's got that soft side of him whenever he feel s sorry for Ji ae(?). I didn't like O Ji Ho's character, I think Taebong stole the show! Did anybody notice how skinny Yoon sang is in this drama? I mean it as a compliment, wow what a body! I have many more Korean actors I like but after seeing Queen of H. I think Yoon sang would be my number ONE guy among the list of K actors now. He's oozing with charm and sex appeal! I guess he wants to postpone marriage cause of his career but if you're reading this Yoon sang ssi, even if you get married tomorrow or next month, we'll still support you at least I would in all your projects! Nice photos and interview, he seems like a very cool & down to earth guy! Keep up the good work Yoon & more power to you in your future projects! I hope to see more of you -- i'm one of those fans who love you!
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30 tuswit
July 25, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Sorry - Mianhae yo, i'm back here again i guess to let Yoon know that my bedroom now is full of his photos ^-^ ---- I'm so inspired looking at his photos & I just am a huge fan what can I say? Thnx javabeans for your wonderful article/photos and sharing with us. I love your site!
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31 tina
September 19, 2009 at 6:57 AM
ghraveh he is so charismatic and sooooo appealing,,,,,,,when you stared at him even in pictures hes soooo handsome,,,
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32 dino
September 30, 2009 at 10:11 PM
what can i say... I am speechless..... simply loves the way he acted in Queens of Housewives. now I am hooked on Lady Castle.
My mind just simply couldn't focus without seeing him at least once an hour. :)
he is good joker as well (saw him in happy together variety). or is he feeling uneasy.....
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33 forpeace4
October 5, 2009 at 11:03 PM
First ,I have to say my fav is LEE WAN, but Yoon sang is stealing his place ! Yoon Sang is sexy as hell! HOT!! I love is eyes .I first saw him in Lady Castle where Yoon sang and Yoon hye act off each other, they make u believe that their love is soo real! But, whatching him on that made me want to see him in others, I loved his charater in QoH, TaeBong, whew I love him in white! I loved his hair and mustache!!!!! I loved how he loved Jiae and I did also want them to end up together, I swear if he persued her she was waivering a bit ( or maybe that was my wishing) aaaah! I am watcihing a Millionaire now, I have been wondering why he has been getting all these second lead roles, he is a firecracker! OH, i saw him in exhibition of fireworks, I did not like his character nor his short funky haircut! Keep it longer! His lips really appeal to me very sexy, i find myself drawn to his lips then his eyes second! I enjoyed reading the interview! I also want to see more of him as the LEAD!!!! He has what it takes, I would watch anything he is in! WHERE HAVE THEY BEEN HIDING HIM
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34 blalala
October 28, 2009 at 3:00 AM
cute..i always love you!!
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35 dancing queen
November 1, 2009 at 11:19 AM
I think YSH should start to aim for better quality dramas altho such beginnings like in QoH and MFL did nicely to shore up his fan base. He is now at the right age for more drama with substance and leave all the light fluffy stuff to the pretty perfect eye candy boys.
By dramas with substance, i don't mean those stuffy and long-winded type. From the marie claire interview, one could sense how touchingly pleased he was to receive such rave support, for the first time ever in his life. Way to go, man ! We are rooting for you and hope that your next one will see you in the lead again but with even more success than the previous.
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36 PPP
November 19, 2009 at 8:10 AM
I'm from Thailand . He's good actor . I have seen him from MFL so I try to fine another Series . QOH ,I love him more and more .
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37 Hen Nie
November 24, 2009 at 12:54 AM
He is so funny, I never thought he's that funny
Wishing him has a long carrier because i want to see more of his project
and also hopefully he has a plan to making a solo album, he has a very great voice ... the voice that can melt my heart (*_*)
Love you Yoon Sang Hyun
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38 jcwk
November 25, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Hi fellow YSH fans,
Currently the Yahoo Asia Buzz award polls is on from Nov 16th - Dec 4th. YSH currently at no. 11 with just over 11,000 votes. Need a Yahoo account to vote with each account a max of 10 votes daily. Remember to enable pop-ups in browser.
Website http://kr.buzz.promotion.yahoo.com/asiabuzz2009/buzz.html#/buzzVote/male/
As it's a korean site, here's a voting guide:
1) Click on his image which will show current position & total votes.
2) Click on small white box below votes, click on purple box in pop-up which will bring up a Yahoo log-in box.
3) Log-in, click on small white box at bottom. Each message indicates vote cast plus remaining votes.
4) Repeat until 10 votes cast. Continue same steps the next day.
5) Can use multiple Yahoo accounts for multiple votes.
Let's all support YSH and push his position to top 10. Kamsahamnida.
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39 atnaan
December 6, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Hi I truly support this guy Yoon Sang Hyun his quit frankly he is one of my favorite actors around korea specially this movie my fair lady he is owesome and also not mention I watch and love korean dramas although am not korean I admit they make best dramas around the world........
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40 Jade
December 20, 2009 at 6:21 PM
YSH is great ! His wonderful eyes and gestures convey the characters. Excellent. Wish to see his films more. It is his harvesting time now.
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41 yoon
December 25, 2009 at 3:15 AM
Oh very cool
Every style of Yoon Sang Hyun makes me impressed . I can't struggle out of his web.
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42 RUBY
December 30, 2009 at 6:28 AM
I like yoon sang hyun. He is a good actor. I am going to watch his TV series.I wish YSH will be successful more and more
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43 Dolly haze
January 31, 2010 at 6:27 PM
I just LOVE HIM!!!
When I started to watch Lady Castle I didn't know him and didn't like him too much, I was expecting someone younger than him as main character, but it took about 1 hour to steal my heart and I started love him!! He's so handsome (I didn't like his mustacho at first, but now I love it), funny, awesome, charismatic, charming!! He's so natural and HOOOT!! OMG, can't help it, I want him to make more dramas :)!!
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44 blingbling16
February 4, 2010 at 5:18 PM
helloo am from Indonesia.. i really adiccted Yoon Sang Hyun Since i've watched My Fair Lady.. So Handsome, and talented. i love youuu .. every night i pray.. he'll come to Indonesia and make some show.. i love you YSH... by the way,, is he married ?
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45 safoora
March 28, 2010 at 3:23 AM
Hi!!
im iranian and I love yoon sang hyun. He is a good actor!
bye
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46 riri tasya
May 11, 2010 at 8:08 PM
yoon sang hyun..i love you..you are the best actor,since i wathced "my fair lady" hmmmmm realy love you..
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47 istie
May 19, 2010 at 1:56 AM
Hi all, i really really loves sang hyun oppa tooo!!! so handsome and his voice is awesome!!! wish can see his next series...as a LEAD of course ;)!!
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48 mimi
May 22, 2010 at 5:27 AM
Love You Sang Hyun Oppa... ^^
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49 Shizuka
June 7, 2010 at 8:01 PM
Dearest Yoon Sang Hyun,
OPPA! Hello from Australia. I LOVE YOU, am in love with you! God help me please, you have stolen my heart. You are the best. Can't wait for your next series, next album (MTV)..........
Love
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50 farzane
June 10, 2010 at 2:14 PM
여보세요
나는이란 하나의 바위 팬들 씨 현 이온입니다. 정말. 카스 누가 가까이 그를보고 싶은데요 그들을 사랑 해요. 아니면 그에게 메일을 보낼 수 있습니다. 나는 구글이 쓴 희망을 읽을 수 있습니다.
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