Shin Ha-kyun to be the next James Bond?

  • By Jim Leap
  • Seoul
  • Last updated on

So, why not a 51-year-old James Bond from South Korea?
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Is Shin set to be the next James Bond? Rumors that the producers are looking for someone slightly different to play James Bond emerged in December 2025. One of the names who keeps cropping up is Shin Ha-kyun.

UPDATE 17/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Every man, at some point in his life, wishes he could be James Bond. And with the news that Daniel Craig may well be out as 007, there are a whole bunch of actors from London to Seoul wondering what they could bring to the role.

Could Shin Ha-kyun become the Seventh James Bond?

Shin’s star has been rising in recent years thank to critically acclaimed roles in Thirst (2009), Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002) and Joint Security Area (2000). His commercial appeal is growing, too.

The question for Shin now is – what next?

Three reasons Shin Ha-kyun would be good for the James Bond franchise

  1. It would clarify that Bond is a rotating identity: If M can be a woman, why can't James Bond be a 51-year-old Korean?
  2. No other performers could be nearly as cool and broodingly suave as Shin.
  3. It would give Shin Ha-kyun a chance to play a lover, as well as a fighter.

This 'Shin To Play James Bond' Rumor had the internet in a frenzy

Twitter was flooded again Friday with loads of tweets related to the rumor. Some fans even launched an online Facebook page called We Want Shin Ha-kyun for James Bond.

“His name is Shin. Shin Ha-kyun!”
— Alan Sepintree (@sepintree) January 16, 2026
“He was perfect as Jeong Woo-jin in Joint Security Area, he will be tremendous portraying James Bond.”
— The Clear Observer (@clearobserver) January 16, 2026
“A Korean James Bond!?! Is it some kind of a joke?”
— Boris Kleinman (@UKBoris) January 16, 2026
“Now, this might be a bit of a controversial pick for the role. But think about it: Shin has always been a skilled actor. He's also known for his wit.”
— Claire Stone (@averageclaire) January 16, 2026

Rumors about Shin Ha-kyun stepping into the role's next iteration have been floating about for a while now. He is characterized by being smooth, slick, handsome, rugged and charming. These are definitely the characteristics needed to play James Bond. Don’t you agree?

Do you think Shin Ha-kyun should be the next James Bond?

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