It’s hard to know what celebrities are really like. We don’t actually know them, after all. A celebrity you think is a quiet, humble, family-oriented person could in reality be a huge jerk, or a serial killer. (That hasn’t happened with any stars I can think of, as far as I know. Just saying it’s possible.)

Korean stars seem to be under a much bigger microscope than American celebs (how is the even possible) and so guard their images much more carefully. Still, occasionally I get the feeling that an actor or singer is genuinely a pretty cool dude. Here’s why I think Seo In Guk would be fun to be friends with.

Seo In Guk

I first saw Seo In Guk in Reply 1997, and I have to be honest, my first reaction was “this guy is freaky looking.” After watching for a bit and falling in love with the show, I decided he was a decent actor. I watched Master’s Sun, and really liked his character, and realized he was actually pretty good looking in a nonconventional way. I heard a few of his songs, and was surprised at how good they were. I was completely shocked to learn he was primarily a singer because his acting is so good. So yeah, I thought he was cool, but wasn’t really that interested.

Seeing him on a few variety shows, however, has turned me into a die-hard fan. He just seems like a very real person.

Reason #1.

He used to be chubby.

I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I love when anyone who used to be considered unattractive is suddenly a sex symbol. I wish it would happen without them having to change themselves completely, but still.

I actually read somewhere that Seo In Guk became bulimic to try to lose weight to pass singing auditions, but was rejected because he’d damaged his voice. L Thank goodness the damage wasn’t permanent, and I hope even with all the slimming down and bulking up actors have to do that he eats appropriately and healthily.

Reason #2.

He found out some very personal family information from his mom on a TV show

and it was hilarious.

Reason #3.

He responded to his “scandal” with Yoona by

admitting it felt good, because only top stars have scandals.

I totally understand the inclination to pair celebs together, but this was kinda lame. “One person talks to another person at a sports event! OMG THEY MUST BE DATING! Look at that picture! He’s almost within a foot of her!” Even if , instead of real life, we put this in the context of a K-drama where people don’t purse their lips when they kiss, this still looks super tame.

Reason #4.

He’s kind of an adorable slob.

Note: (In some countries it’s pretty common to use kitchen sheers to cut meat, but I’m pretty sure he’s just using regular household scissors there.)

Adorable, right??? And I didn’t even get into the whole Satori-when-talking-to-his-mother thing.