Kim Jae-won, who played Shin Sun-rok in the recently concluded TVING original drama Yumi’s Cells Season 3, captured hearts as the "straightforward younger boyfriend." While the storyline was a major draw, his contrasting hairstyles also stood out. By alternating between revealed forehead styles at the office and full bangs at home, he shifted his character’s mood entirely.
Why does a simple change in bangs transform one's impression so dramatically? We explored the styling points men can use to navigate their everyday looks.
At Home: The "Puppy-Like" Charm of Bangs Down
In a behind-the-scenes video on his YouTube channel, Kim Jae-won explained his character's look: “When Sun-rok comes home, he wears his hair down. It brings out a bit of that 'puppy vibe.'”
In casual settings or moments of vulnerability—such as his sudden confession to Yumi—Sun-rok’s bangs cover his forehead and eyebrows completely. This "bangs down" style is approachable and easygoing, softening the facial features to create a cute, protective, and youthful "younger boyfriend" image.
At the Office: The Neatness of the "Half-Up" Style
By contrast, Sun-rok’s workplace look features a "bangs up" style that reveals roughly half of his forehead. This parted look achieves a neat, professional appearance without the severity of a full slick-back.
While fully lifted hair can feel intense or stiff, and full bangs can seem too casual for a corporate setting, Sun-rok’s "half-up" office hair sits comfortably in the middle. It provides a clean, competent impression that feels trustworthy and refined, making it an excellent reference for modern office styling.
The Science of the Forehead: Softness vs. Definition
The reason a person's vibe changes so drastically with a simple hair adjustment is rooted in visual perception. Bangs serve as a frame that dictates how the eye interprets facial proportions and "negative space." By manipulating how much of the face is visible, you essentially alter the viewer's focal point.
Bangs Down for Softness: When the forehead is covered, the vertical negative space of the face is physically reduced. This contraction of space shifts the observer's attention exclusively to the eyes and the lower half of the face. This focus emphasizes a "gentle look" and a "youthful" or "baby-face" aesthetic. It creates an aura of comfort and approachability—often described as the "makes-you-want-to-protect-them" vibe—which is why it is the go-to style for a soft, younger-boyfriend image.
Bangs Up for Definition: Conversely, lifting the bangs reveals the forehead and, more importantly, the eyebrows. This exposure makes the overall facial structure appear more defined and angular. Because the eyebrows are a primary tool for human expression, revealing them allows your emotions and intent to be read more clearly by others. This visibility projects a "clean-cut" and "mature" persona. It is a style that signals confidence and reliability, aligning perfectly with the image of a "trustworthy" and "competent" office worker.
Sun-rok’s "half-forehead" style is a clever middle ground. It maintains the neatness of a professional "up" style while retaining just enough fringe to soften the features. It offers a refined, modern look that balances competence with a sense of relaxed openness.
Choosing Based on Facial Proportions
While Sun-rok’s styles are trendy, they should be adapted to individual face shapes:
Wide Forehead or Long Face: Naturally lowered bangs are preferable to reduce vertical negative space and balance the face.
Round Face: Avoid a heavy, fully-covered look. Adding a part or revealing a sliver of the forehead prevents the face from appearing too "closed-in."
Styling Tips for Success
Bangs Down: Avoid drying the hair flat. Use a blow-dryer to create root volume so the hair falls naturally. Apply a small amount of lightweight essence or curl cream for texture.
Half-Up/Parted: Establish the part first, then use the dryer to direct the airflow along that line. Secure the direction with a touch of wax or spray, ensuring the hair doesn't look greasy.
Bangs Up: Root volume is the priority. Lift the hair upward while drying and shape it with your hands before it cools.
Ultimately, there is no single "correct" style. Like Sun-rok, the key is adjusting your bangs to match your facial proportions and the specific "temperature" of your situation—whether you need to be a soft companion or a sharp professional.
