In a recent episode of the SBS variety show “My Little Old Boy” (미운 우리 새끼), actor Yoon Shi-yoon (윤시윤), now 40 in Korean age, made his first solo appearance, revealing an astonishingly disciplined and meticulously organized daily life. Known for his role in the hit drama “King of Baking, Kim Tak-gu” (제빵왕 김탁구), which recorded over 50% viewership, Yoon’s life offers a glimpse into a top star’s pursuit of self-improvement and routine.
A Day Ruled by Alarms and Schedules ⏰
Yoon Shi-yoon’s day is completely scheduled, with alarms set down to the minute. He wakes up to an alarm at 7:00 AM, which also triggers his bedroom light to turn on. His routine is a non-stop series of planned activities:
- 7:03 AM: Takes protein and supplements.
- 7:07 AM: Voice practice.
- 7:50 AM: Arrives at the gym for a workout, including a 30-minute run and personal training. He maintains a remarkable 6.5% body fat ratio for his role in the upcoming drama “Taxi Driver 3.”
- 9:40 AM: Prepares and eats a quick, protein-rich breakfast, ensuring his workspace is cleaned immediately after.
- 10:00 AM: English phone lesson.
- 11:00 AM: Japanese phone lesson.
- 12:00 PM: Character analysis and acting practice in his home theater.
- 1:00 PM: A 15-minute break for a game, with his monitor set to turn off automatically to prevent him from getting lazy.
A Spotless, Monochromatic Home 🏠
Yoon’s apartment, with its stunning view of the Han River, is an exhibition of order and minimalism. The living room is not a typical space with a sofa and TV; instead, it’s a library with a large 8-person desk and chairs. He deliberately avoids a sofa to prevent himself from “being lazy.”
His obsession with “o-wa-yeol” (오와 열), a Korean term for perfect lines and rows, is evident everywhere.
- Kitchen: Everything is aligned perfectly. Condiments and sauces are arranged by height, and even the gas stove is covered by a custom-made plate to maintain a flat, uniform surface.
- Refrigerator: Food items are meticulously labeled, and the freezer has a list of ingredients for easy management. This habit was influenced by his experience in the Marine Corps.
- Closet: His clothes are sorted by type and color, with each hanger spaced evenly. He limits the number of hangers on a rack to prevent overcrowding, and if he needs to add a new item, he must remove an old one. He even uses a folding board to ensure his T-shirts are perfectly creased.
Extreme Hobbies and Self-Control 🧘♂️
Yoon’s need for control extends to his hobbies. He is a car washing enthusiast, dedicating over two hours to meticulously cleaning his 12-year-old car, which looks brand new. He uses a wide array of specialized tools and even wears a dedicated jumpsuit for the task.
He also practices an unusual self-control ritual with alcohol. Inspired by actor Robert Downey Jr., he enjoys the “smoky pairing” ritual of smelling whiskey infused with wood smoke but deliberately avoids drinking it. This is part of his strict body fat management plan, as he believes alcohol is a major obstacle to his fitness goals.
At the end of his day, Yoon locks his phone in a “box of abstinence” (금욕상자) to avoid the temptation of late-night scrolling, which he believes disrupts his sleep and encourages laziness.
Yoon Shi-yoon’s appearance on “My Little Old Boy” showcased a life of extraordinary discipline, a constant battle against his own perceived laziness, and a relentless pursuit of perfection in every detail.
